Ricardo and John Barnard's B3 Technologies will collaborate for a MotoGP race team, drawing upon their unique and highly complementary mix of skills, technology and race engineering acumen

Ricardo plc together with John Barnard's B3 Technologies will collaborate on exploring the opportunities for a MotoGP race team, drawing upon their unique and highly complementary mix of skills, technology and race engineering acumen One of the finest designers of his generation, John Barnard has been for over thirty years a leading influence in the application of advanced vehicle technologies in a wide range of motor racing formulae. Innovations credited to Barnard include the first full carbon fibre F1 chassis and the semi-automatic paddle shift gearbox. As Managing Director of his own company, B3 Technologies , he continues to deliver high technology components for many of the leading teams in Formula 1 as well as programmes for customers in sectors such as deep-sea research and satellite systems, who wish to access B3's race-developed expertise.

From 2003-04 Barnard was technical director for the Kenny Roberts team, doing much to lay the foundations for the company's impressive current form.

Ricardo is one of the world's leading motorsports powertrain, driveline and transmission technology providers.

The company offers a wide range of motorsport-related services including for example a suite of advanced powertrain simulation software which is used by customers in the development of performance engines across all leading race formulae.

Ricardo's skilled engineers provide highly sought-after back-up for race teams in the design, development and precision manufacture of engines, transmissions and driveline systems and components.

The company also provides trackside support for the maintenance and service of the systems that it manufactures.

Ricardo plc and B3 Technologies share the view that there is considerable potential for the application of advanced technologies and engineering skills in the future of MotoGP.

Together the two companies are searching for partners and sponsors to develop a technology-focussed race team, which aims to compete at the very top level of the sport.

Dave Shemmans, Ricardo plc CEO said: 'We are enthusiastic about our collaboration with John Barnard and his company B3 Technologies in MotoGP and feel that this could bring together the very best available technologies in motorcycle chassis and powertrain engineering'.

'We look forward to discussing with potential partners and sponsors the ways in which we might develop class-leading, technology-focused solutions for MotoGP.' John Barnard said: 'My exposure to MotoGp has left me with a firm conviction that there is much scope for the use of advanced technology to make a significant move forward in the potential performance of the bike'.

'I also believe that working closely with the designers of the powertrain can reap big benefits, and in this respect I am delighted to be collaborating with a company of Ricardo's calibre.'