Norton Motorcycles to Enter MotoGP in 2012?

The new regulations to be implemented in the MotoGP championship starting the 2012 season seem to produce the desired effect, which is to enlarge the grid for the seasons to come. After several rumors have suggested Italian manufacturer Aprilia and German bike maker BMW could join the series two years from now, another piece of news regarding a potential MotoGP entry targets iconic British marque Norton.

According to crash.net, citing Speedweek.ch, Norton is now considering a MotoGP entry for the 2012 season, as the new regulations will permit 1000cc engines to make their way into the series. It seems the British company is already contemplating an entry into the Suberbike and Supersport championships next year, but a move into the MotoGP would better integrate within Norton's new modern image.

According to the aforementioned source, the Brits have already met with Dorna, the promoter of the MotoGP series, and have set up a 2-rider entry for 2012. However, the team may not be present in the premier motorcycling series as a factory effort, in order to benefit from more fuel and engines for their maiden campaign – as a Claiming Rule Team.

Following several decades of changing owners, UK businessman Stuart Garner bought the rights to Norton back in 2008 and began reviving the brand. However, plans to enter the motor racing world have never been confirmed by the company, despite the fact that such rumors started to surface in the media for some time.

The MotoGP grid currently comprises of only 17 riders. Manufacturers Yamaha, Ducati, Honda and Suzuki are all running 2-rider teams, while the satellite and customer squads run a mixed programme, either one- or two-rider efforts.