The size of the MotoGP grid could be set to increase substantially in 2012 after the sport's world governing body the FIM revealed that 11 teams have been invited to participate in the next stage of selection to compete in the world championship.
Top-class grid sizes have hovered around the 17-bike mark over the course of the last four seasons but new regulations for 2012, including the shift from 800cc engines to 1000cc units which was designed to cut costs, has led to plenty of interest, particularly from the Moto2 class.
Existing teams have been guaranteed their places for next season, and the FIM confirmed at the start of May that 13 teams not currently in MotoGP had applied to join the field next year.
The FIM have now whittled the list of applicants down to 11 teams, comprising 16 riders, who have been invited through to the next stage of the process after having their bids reviewed at the French Grand Prix.
The remaining hopefuls must now lodge a security deposit with the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) by the Friday of the next grand prix weekend in Barcelona on 3 June.
At the Catalan Grand Prix series rights holders Dorna and IRTA will decide which teams will be offered a participation deal, with a full list of successful teams to follow in due course.
An FIM statement read: 'On 30 April 2011, the FIM announced that 13 teams containing 21 riders, not currently participating in the MotoGP class, had been provided with terms and conditions for participation in 2012.
'Those teams were invited to confirm their interest and submit comprehensive details of their plans for participation to IRTA. The deadline was Saturday, 14 May.
'During the Le Mans event (last weekend's French Grand Prix) the applications were reviewed by IRTA and Dorna. Eleven teams comprising 16 riders have now been invited to participate in the next stage of selection. These teams have until Friday 3 June to lodge a security deposit with IRTA.
'At the Catalunya Grand Prix Dorna and IRTA will decide which teams will then be offered a contract of participation for 2012. Following the Catalunya Grand Prix a list of accepted teams will be published.'
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