“Welcome to the future of MotoGP,” begins the series’ statement on the recently confirmed 2027 regulations. Despite the extensive changes, there is one crucial aspect missing from these new rules: tires.
The objectives of the 2027 regulations are relatively straightforward: to decrease the speed of the bikes, enhance the quality of racing, and ensure safety. The Grand Prix Commission, consisting of members from the FIM, IRTA, and Dorna, has taken significant measures to achieve these goals.
The most significant alteration will be the reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc. This adjustment is necessary to slow down the current MotoGP machines, which have become increasingly perilous on traditional circuits. Furthermore, the maximum cylinder bore will be reduced from 81mm to 75mm. The engines, limited to six per year under the new regulations, will remain four-cylinder, four-stroke designs. Additionally, the number of gear ratios will be reduced to 16, thereby limiting the power of the bikes.
Another noteworthy change is the prohibition of ride height devices. This development is cause for celebration among MotoGP enthusiasts, as ride height mechanisms have hindered the thrilling racing that fans have grown accustomed to. With their removal, bikes should no longer catapult as far out of the corners, resulting in increased safety.
Aerodynamic development has also played a significant role in MotoGP design, but it will be more restricted in 2027. According to the FIM’s press release, the maximum permitted width of the front fairing Aero Body’s high portion will be reduced from 600mm to 550mm. Similarly, the maximum rear end height will decrease from 1250mm to 1150mm. The foremost point of the front fairing (nose) will be shifted back by 50mm, and the rearward taper of the front fairing aero appendices will also narrow. Additionally, the rearward aero bodywork must be part of the bike’s homologated design, meaning manufacturers will have to finalize any aero device behind the rider at the beginning of the 2027 season and will only be allowed one update throughout the year.
Other modifications include a weight reduction to 153kg, a decrease in fuel capacity to 20 liters per race (11 liters per sprint), and the use of 100% sustainable fuel. These changes aim to make MotoGP safer, more environmentally friendly, and more captivating than ever before.
The new concessions system will extend until 2027, with any fresh manufacturer placed in the D category to provide them with the best chance of being competitive.
Existing manufacturers from 2026 will start off 2027 in the B category.
Despite these alterations being advantageous in terms of road relevance, environmental friendliness, and reduced performance – the lack of tire construction allows for further improvement.
It is rare for a rider to fall off a MotoGP bike when it is speeding down a straight and upright, the issue arises in the corners, and reducing cornering speed is the fastest and safest way to decrease the risks for the riders.
A reduction in power through smaller engine displacement is a good starting point, but the old 800cc formula MotoGP machines excelled in corners, making up for any lost time on the straightaways and setting lap records in the process.
If MotoGP wants to enhance safety, lightning cannot strike twice.
The old saying in all motorsports is that you can only go as fast as the tires allow.
Take British Superbikes as an example. BSB Race Director Stuart Higgs and his team have eliminated the slickest option of Pirelli rubber for the 2024 season, restricting the available grip for riders to ensure reduced speeds and lower accident risks.
“We do not need to go any faster, so we are dialing it back a bit,” Higgs told MotorSport Magazine.
“The crucial aspect is the tires. We do not need blistering-fast tires for individual laps; we need something that is predictable and long-lasting.
“We have to scale things back; we are not chasing lap records.”
Higgs is correct, and BSB has always been at the forefront of exciting racing, and if it can be done safely, then why not?
MotoGP needs to follow this path as well; otherwise, the changes it is implementing for 2027 may prove insignificant.
Predictable, manageable tires that prevent riders from harming themselves.
That is and will continue to be the most effective way to enhance MotoGP’s safety.