LOT 630
2003 Petronas 900cc FP1 Registration no. not registered Frame no. PN9AA90S43M000133 Engine no. 01.108
Estimate: £28,000 - £32,000
Lot 630
2003 Petronas 900cc FP1Registration no. not registered Frame no. PN9AA90S43M000133 Engine no. 01.108
2003 Petronas 900cc FP1
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. PN9AA90S43M000133
Engine no. 01.108
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. PN9AA90S43M000133
Engine no. 01.108
* One of only 150 made
* Delivery mileage only
* Recently serviced
Generously bankrolled by Malaysia's state oil company, Petronas, the FP1 World Superbike contender seemed destined for success when the first machines appeared towards the end of 2002. The ambitious project had started as a proposed MotoGP machine to be developed jointly by Petronas and the Sauber Formula 1 team, only for the initial idea to change in favour of building a WSBK racer. The three-cylinder engine was the work of Swiss race engineer Eskil Suter, who somewhat controversially decided to 'reverse' the cylinder head, placing the inlet ports at the front and the exhausts at the rear. In racing trim a maximum power output of around 185bhp was claimed, while the road-going version had to make do with a still highly respectable 127 horsepower.
To meet the WSBK homologation requirements, 150 motorcycles had to be built and this was achieved in two stages, the first 75 being assembled in the UK by MSX International and the remainder in Malaysia by local motorcycle manufacturer, Modenas. Four-time WSBK Champion Carl Fogarty was brought on board to manage the WSBK team, and contributed his 'Foggy' nickname to the bike, hence 'FP1' (Foggy Petronas 1).
Boasting a state-of-the-art chassis and running gear, gorgeous styling and a striking turquoise and black colour scheme, the Petronas FP1 was unarguably the most beautiful bike in the WSBK paddock when it first appeared towards the end of the 2002 season.
At the time of the project's inception, the WSBK rues stipulated a capacity limit of 750cc for fours, 1,000cc for twins, and 900cc for triples. However, by the start of the 2003 season the upper capacity limit for all types of machine had been set at 1,000cc, immediately putting the 900cc FP1 at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, with the Japanese factories slow to get involved in the revamped WSBK, the FP1 was able to enjoy a measure of podium success in its first two seasons, though it never won a race. The project came to an end at the end of 2006.
This example is offered directly from a private collection and since acquiring the machine, the vendor has replaced the battery; changed all fluids; re-sprayed the bodywork and reapplied the decals; and test-run the engine. Beautifully presented, this wonderful FP1 has covered 'delivery mileage' only and is presented in commensurately excellent condition and is offered with a NOVA declaration.
* Delivery mileage only
* Recently serviced
Generously bankrolled by Malaysia's state oil company, Petronas, the FP1 World Superbike contender seemed destined for success when the first machines appeared towards the end of 2002. The ambitious project had started as a proposed MotoGP machine to be developed jointly by Petronas and the Sauber Formula 1 team, only for the initial idea to change in favour of building a WSBK racer. The three-cylinder engine was the work of Swiss race engineer Eskil Suter, who somewhat controversially decided to 'reverse' the cylinder head, placing the inlet ports at the front and the exhausts at the rear. In racing trim a maximum power output of around 185bhp was claimed, while the road-going version had to make do with a still highly respectable 127 horsepower.
To meet the WSBK homologation requirements, 150 motorcycles had to be built and this was achieved in two stages, the first 75 being assembled in the UK by MSX International and the remainder in Malaysia by local motorcycle manufacturer, Modenas. Four-time WSBK Champion Carl Fogarty was brought on board to manage the WSBK team, and contributed his 'Foggy' nickname to the bike, hence 'FP1' (Foggy Petronas 1).
Boasting a state-of-the-art chassis and running gear, gorgeous styling and a striking turquoise and black colour scheme, the Petronas FP1 was unarguably the most beautiful bike in the WSBK paddock when it first appeared towards the end of the 2002 season.
At the time of the project's inception, the WSBK rues stipulated a capacity limit of 750cc for fours, 1,000cc for twins, and 900cc for triples. However, by the start of the 2003 season the upper capacity limit for all types of machine had been set at 1,000cc, immediately putting the 900cc FP1 at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, with the Japanese factories slow to get involved in the revamped WSBK, the FP1 was able to enjoy a measure of podium success in its first two seasons, though it never won a race. The project came to an end at the end of 2006.
This example is offered directly from a private collection and since acquiring the machine, the vendor has replaced the battery; changed all fluids; re-sprayed the bodywork and reapplied the decals; and test-run the engine. Beautifully presented, this wonderful FP1 has covered 'delivery mileage' only and is presented in commensurately excellent condition and is offered with a NOVA declaration.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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