“Welcome to the future of MotoGP,” reads the start of the series’ statement on the new 2027 regulations, which were confirmed on Monday – but despite there being sweeping changes, there’s one crucial element that is missing: tyres.
The goals of the 2027 regulations are relatively simple, slow the bikes down, improve racing and The Grand Prix Commission, comprised of members from the FIM, IRTA and Dorna, has made significant steps to do so.
The biggest change will be the reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc, a necessary step to slow down the current MotoGP missiles that are becoming increasingly dangerous on classic circuits.
The maximum cylinder bore will also be reduced from 81mm to 75mm and the engines (limited to six per year in the new regs) will remain four-cylinder, four-stroke designs and a reduced number of gear ratios (down to 16) will also work to limit the power of the bikes.
As well as this, ride height devices will be banned. Rejoice!
Ride height mechanisms are one of the key contributors to stifling the amazing racing MotoGP fans have become accustomed to and their removal means bikes shouldn’t be slingshotting quite so far out of the corners.
Again, this is a positive step in terms of safety.
Aerodynamic development has become another big part of MotoGP design and this is also being restrained for 2027.
Per the FIM’s press release; “The maximum permitted width of the high portion of the front fairing Aero Body will reduce from 600mm to 550mm, the maximum rear end height will reduce from 1250mm to 1150mm, the foremost point of the front fairing (nose) will be moved back by 50mm, and the rearward taper of the front fairing aero appendices will also narrow.”
In addition, the rearward aero bodywork must now be part of the bike’s homologated design, meaning manufacturers will have to set in stone any aero device behind the rider at the start of the 2027 campaign and will have just one update to change it throughout the season.
Other changes include a weight reduction to 153kg, a reduced fuel capacity to 20 litres per race (11 litres per sprint) and the bikes will run on 100% sustainable fuel.
The new concessions system will continue into 2027, with any new manufacturer placed into the D ranking to give them maximum opportunity to be competitive.
Existing manufacturers as of 2026 will start off 2027 in the B ranking.
Despite these changes being positive in terms of road relevance, eco-friendliness and performance reduction – the absence of tyre construction leaves a lot of room for further improvement.
It’s seldom that a rider falls of a MotoGP bike when it is hurtling down a straight and bolt upright, the issue comes in the corners and reducing cornering speed is the quickest and safety way to reduce the dangers for the riders.
A power reduction through smaller engine displacement is a start, but the old 800cc formula MotoGP machines were corner specialists, making up for any lost time on the straights and setting lap records in the process.
Lightning can’t strike twice if MotoGP wants to get safer.
The old adage in all motorsports is you can only go as fast as the tyres let you.
Take British Superbikes for example. BSB Race Director Stuart Higgs and his team have removed the slickest option of Pirelli rubber for the 2024 season, limiting the grip on offer to riders to ensure speeds are reduced, meaning accidents won’t come with as high a risk.
“We don’t need to go any faster, so we’re peeling it back a bit,” Higgs told MotorSport Magazine.
“The critical thing is the tyres. We don’t need banzai tyres for laps, we need something that’s predictable and durable.
“We’ve got to peel things back, we’re not chasing lap records.”
Higgs is right and BSB has always had its finger on the pulse when it comes to great racing and if it can be done safely, then why not?
MotoGP needs to take this route as well, otherwise the changes it’s making for 2027 could prove inconsequential.
Predictable, manageable tyres that limit riders from doing themselves harm.
That is and will remain the best way to make MotoGP safer.
