MotoGP has confirmed that all its classes will run on 100% synthetic fuel starting in 2027. A development that, at first glance, seems technical and secondary. But in reality, it could well upset the balance of power in the paddock. Because in 2027, having the best fuel could be as important as recruiting a certain Marc Marquez.
Although it went relatively unnoticed in the heart of summer, the announcement nonetheless conceals a major shift for the premier class. While we often talk about the evolution of engines, tires, and aerodynamics, it may be the choice of fuel supplier that will decide the future world champion. And it could be very expensive..
Currently, each manufacturer works with its own partner: Ducati with Shell, Yamaha with TotalEnergies, KTM with ExxonMobil, Honda with Castrol , Aprilia with BP, TrackHouse, the only independent satellite team in this field, with GulfAll these contracts run, in principle, until 2027, the date of the big changeover.
Synthetic fuel: a tenfold increase in cost for the paddock
The transition will not be painless. Synthetic fuel is still a nascent technology, produced in limited quantities, and whose manufacturing costs are exorbitant. Formula 1 teams, which will adopt this fuel from 2026, have already seen their bills multiply tenfold.
MotoGP will follow a year later, serving as an open-air laboratory for an industry seeking a credible alternative to 100% electric vehicles. Motorcycle racing thus finds itself at the heart of a major environmental and technological challenge.
Until now, the fossil fuel used in MotoGP had reached such a level of maturity that there were few differences between suppliers. This will no longer be the case with synthetic. Whoever finds the most efficient formula – stable, powerful, and adapted to the extreme demands of MotoGP engines – could offer a decisive advantage to their manufacturer.
In other words: in 2027, good fuel may be worth more than ten horsepower or a genius lap from a star driver.
