It is being reported in Europe that over the course of the last weekend, the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association) held a meeting with its members to discuss the impending MotoGP rule changes due to come into effect in 2007. The main rule change of course being the reduction of the upper ceiling for engine power output from 990cc to a maximum of 900cc.

The ruling was implemented, provisionally, last year and for a number of reasons. Firstly because the hope is that the outright speeds of the current MotoGP prototype motorcycles could be reduced, secondly because it would fit in more comfortably with the fuel capacity ruling and thirdly because it would benefit the various fields of concern over safety. The problem of tire degradation under power output currently a concern as the engineers push the boundaries of adhesion with the tires as the riders and engineers attempt to get that 990cc down onto the tarmac, and usefully so.

However, this weekend the meeting, apparently, wasn't just a meeting of the rich and powerful so that they could munch on a rather expensive corporate lunch or compare golf handicaps, it was called because HRC have proposed a further reduction (and not for the first time) in the upper ceiling from 900cc to a lower figure of 800cc.

This is the second occasion that this figure has been broached by the mighty Honda conglomerate, the first time it was a 'feeling' exercise to see what the general consensus was. The general consensus from Ducati in particular at that first set of meetings was a resounding 'No'. The upper limit was set at an agreed 900cc and the relevant press releases and engineering anecdotes were released upon an expectant factory boardroom collective, engineering community and paddock crowd.

This weekend, HRC once again proposed that the 800cc upper limit be assessed and Yamaha apparently, amongst others, have backed Honda in their plans to have an 800cc (or lower would you believe) displacement ruling introduced. Again, the story is that Ducati has made it clear that their answer is 'NO'.

As reported here on 'Soup back in May of 2004, Honda are thought to have a V3 motorcycle well along the R&D line, although still unconfirmed officially by Honda racing aficionados. In fact, Tohru Ukawa was rumoured to have tarmac tested the machine at Motegi recently and to cement the rumour the latest whispers emanating from Europe are that a specially designed V3 bike has been ordered for Danny Pedrosa to fit his frame for later this season, to test only of course.

So, is this latest HRC approach a way of maximising their own V3 machine potential or is there another as yet unseen reason behind their 'suggestion'?

Certainly you would have to think that for Honda, the cost of effectively removing a cylinder and running a V4 would cost them plenty in research and development especially if the V3 is there waiting with plenty of chance to expound on the potential of that specification should they get an 800cc ruling in place. A V4 project would soon run out of developmental room at 800cc so is that why the V3, with room in the locker so to speak, would get them what they want on two fronts, no V4 project expenditure and plenty of room to manoeuvre with a V3 at 800cc?

Or, for the cynical out there, have Honda tested the V3 at 900cc with results being less than favourable?

But what of the other factories?

Would not a reduction in capacity once more stall possible existing 900cc projects and push an already spiralling racing budget to the wall, or beyond, by having another design and build concept timeline forced upon them?

Just what will come of the meeting is as yet unknown as is the fine detail of the approach made by HRC in terms of their suggestions for implementation. There has certainly been no press release communication to the media or the public as we speak so we wait to hear confirmation.

As with all reports and rumour, you have to decide for yourself the validity of the suggested detail, but it certainly reinforces the fact that MotoGP and its political framework is never boring and the meeting DID take place, of that there is no doubt.