For several years, Marc Marquez has been sounding the alarm. The Ducati rider feared that MotoGP risked following the same path as Formula 1: one where the machine ultimately becomes more important than the rider's talent. With the technical revolution approaching in 2027, initial feedback from Ducati suggests that this trend could finally be avoided. Test rider Michele Pirro believes that the future 850cc MotoGP bikes will give the rider a much more prominent role.
Well before the announcement of the new regulations, Marc Marquez had already warned the MotoGP authorities. In his view, the accumulation of aerodynamic devices, motorcycle lowering systems and electronic assistance was gradually reducing the riders' room for expression.
In 2022, while he was still playing for HondaThe Spaniard summarized his concern as follows: We must be careful, because ultimately, The riders must remain more important than the motorcycles.. » A reflection that took on its full meaning as overtaking became increasingly difficult and aerodynamics gradually transformed racing.
The upcoming 2027 regulations are based on several major changes: engine sizes reduced from 1,000 to 850 cc; removal of motorcycle lowering devices; elimination of launch control systems ("holeshot devices"); significantly reduced aerodynamics; and the introduction of tires Pirelli.
The regular riders discovered these new machines during the tests organized in Brno. The lap times were naturally slower, but the initial impressions seem unanimously positive.
For Michele Pirro, which is involved in the development of the future Ducati For several months now, the objective set by the regulations has already been noticeable. The regulations were designed to offer to pilots a greater margin of performance and comfort » he said on MOW.
Encouraging tests, Marc Marquez's fears allayed?
The Italian test rider believes above all that the new motorcycles will help to rebalance the hierarchy between rider talent and machine performance. The drivers will have a little more leeway to make a difference"A statement that is far from insignificant when it comes from the lead development pilot of Ducati.
MotoGP is no longer focused on breaking speed records. For several years, performance levels had reached levels that began to pose safety problems on some circuits, while also making overtaking increasingly difficult. By reducing power, aerodynamics, and mechanical aids, the promoters hope to return to less perfect motorcycles… but more unpredictable races. Several riders who have tried the 850cc prototypes have already indicated that they have rediscovered a greater sense of feel and freedom in the saddle.
The 2027 revolution won't just be about motorcycles. The arrival of Pirelli The fact that it's a single manufacturer adds an extra unknown. As a reminder Michele Pirro : " The tires will also have a significant influenceThe team that adapts best will have a considerable advantage at the start of the season. »
In other words, the cards could be completely reshuffled during the first Grand Prix of the new regulations.
For many months, Marc Marquez He openly criticizes the growing influence of aerodynamics on the spectacle. He even recently explained that current motorcycles make overtaking much more difficult than in 2017, to the point of comparing some races to a rally where gaining the upper hand over a slower opponent in the middle of a special stage becomes almost impossible without good will.
The first feedback from Ducati This suggests that MotoGP has heard this message. We will obviously have to wait for the first Grands Prix of 2027 for confirmation, but the philosophy now seems clear: accept slightly slower bikes to allow the best riders to express their talent more fully.
This development could well restore to MotoGP what has always made it unique: the ability of an exceptional rider to make the difference, even against technically very similar competition.
