From the new FIM rulebook:

As from January 1st, 2007, in the Motogp class the maximum engine size capacity will be 800cc and 2-stroke engines will not be allowed.

Wonder if this will affect lap times much. I doubt it; it will probably only take a few mph off the top end right at the end of a long straight, but for 90% of the lap, they aren't at full throttle now anyway... Probably makes sense though, at the current rate a 1 liter engine would have 280 hp in a year or two, which would not only shred tires at will, but would also make the runoff areas on the current tracks less and less sufficient...

I agree it probably won't have a major impact on lap times, at least not for very long. What is concerning is how competitive the fields will be the first couple of years. Honda has the biggest R&D budget to optimize an engine for the new rules. What other factories can spend enough to be competitive? It's hard to rule out Rossi and Yamaha, but the other teams may flounder (more than they are now).

Where's Dave? Surely he has thoughts on this issue....