In this year’s worst kept secret, Triumph has finally been confirmed as Moto2 engine supplier from the 2019 season onwards after signing a deal with Dorna. The Hinckley factory will provide a ‘dedicated race-tuned’ 765cc triple motor based on the all-new Street Triple, with obvious upgrades for competition use to cope with higher revs.
A modified cylinder head, titanium valves, race alternator, taller first gear, ECU developed by Marelli, revised engine covers to reduce width and a different sump for exhaust routing are the main modifications to the 765cc powerplant, which is based on the redundant Daytona 675R. The race-spec engine breathes more freely and revs harder then the road bike. How good will 35 Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes sound with open exhausts?
Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer for Triumph Motorcycles, said: “This is a significant moment for Triumph that brings an exciting new chapter to our 110-year racing history and builds on our celebrated TT and Supersports race winning triple engines. We look forward to a long and thrilling relationship with Dorna and the Moto2TM teams, riders and fans.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Chief Executive Officer of Dorna added; “We are very excited to be working with one of the world’s most iconic motorcycle brands. The Triumph triple engines are renowned for their strong, linear power and torque delivery and have achieved many successes on the track making them the ideal choice for the Moto2TM Championship. We are looking forward to the 2019 season and the beginning of a new generation of Moto2TM in partnership with Triumph.”
Herve Poncharal, President of IRTA, stated; “Moto2™ is a key category in feeding talent into MotoGP™. We’re seeing a lot of top riders in MotoGP all come through the intermediate category. The arrival of Triumph as the sole engine supplier and with new ECU’s in the intermediate class, marks a new era that is sure to prove another incredible step in its evolution, making it remain the ultimate category on the way to MotoGP.”
Trevor Morris, Technical Director from ExternPro, who will be responsible for the final preparation of the engines for the race series, commented; “It is incredibly exciting to be working in conjunction with the iconic Triumph motorcycle company in supplying engines for the Moto 2TM world championship. I have been a fan of the triple engine for a long time, its unique characteristics and performance will ensure and enhance the future success of the championship.”
Julian Simon, 2009 125cc World Champion and Moto2 runner-up and experienced Moto2TM test rider, who has been involved with the engine development testing at Aragon, said “The engine feels strong and In particular the mid-range is very impressive. The feel between the throttle and the rear wheel is very direct and controllable. The general feeling is very good and the engine already shows great potential.”
Let’s hope this acts as a catalyst for a new Daytona 765. The world needs it.
