Let's talk MotoGP: But why doesn't anyone like wings?

This is a hot topic that divides our community. Although, divisive may not be the right term, given that the public seems to agree on this issue. Wings are more present than ever in MotoGP, and that doesn't please. You just have to take a look at social networks – a somewhat futile tool but which, casually, highlights significant trends – to see it. With each presentation of a new model, comments can't help but notice the machines' imposing aerodynamic appendages. But then, is this aversion to fins justified? In my opinion, not at all, and I will try to convince you.

Of course, like all articles in this section, this is a subjective analysis, with arguments chosen in order to express an opinion. You are free to disagree, and that's why the comment section exists. I will be happy to read your opinions regarding this question, with respect and calm, of course.

 

The technological showcase

 

Before explaining, in my opinion, why certain arguments against fins are not admissible, I will start by defending them by trying to explain why they are necessary. The motorcycle Grands Prix have always embodied the ultimate in motorcycling competition, and even more so since the professionalization of the discipline. Even today, the best riders in the world share 22 handlebars in MotoGP, not one more. For manufacturers, it's the same thing. This is the ultimate, technological cream.

 

 

What is the purpose of a brand? Make a motorcycle faster than the others while respecting the regulations. Fins are only a consequence of technological development, they are a means to go faster, not an end in themselves. As long as the regulations allow it, the fins will be there because they allow you to perform better. Moreover, we are in the presence of the fastest machines ever designed. The records broken during the 2024 pre-season suggest that our heroes will go even faster this year.

When I turn on my TV, I want to see two things. Show, and the best in technology. In this order. As long as the authorities reconcile these two principles – which is currently the case, we will come back to it – that’s fine with me. For the philosophical coherence inherent in the prototypes, the fins must exist.

 

 

More show

 

This is one of the points that comes up most often. I frequently hear that “the ailerons prevent drivers from following each other”, or more generally, that they restrict overtaking. I wonder if those who are making these comments have watched the Grands Prix of recent years. MotoGP is more contested than ever, the balance between the forces present on the grid is almost perfect. Even Yamaha and Honda, lagging behind, are not physically far from Ducati. Just, a lot interjects. We have seen some absolutely sensational racing over the past two seasons., taken as an example due to the increased aerodynamic development carried out by Ducati and Aprilia over the period. Le Mans 2022, Misano 2022, Aragon 2022, Phillip Island 2022 & 2023, Jerez 2023, Netherlands 2023, Germany 2023, Indonesia 2023, Thailand 2023, Valencia 2023; I have only cited here GPs where victory was fought out through intense jousting, the kind that makes it hard to breathe. No duels for second or third place. And yes, I experienced MotoGP without fins. Let me tell you, it was nowhere near that crazy.

 

 

Like everyone, I am nostalgic for the era of the fantastic four, and for this 800cc era which saw real personalities compete, much more assertive than those who are currently competing for the title. There have been great races, it's true, but how many purges. How many solo victories of Jorge Lorenzo, how many demonstrations from Casey Stoner in 2011. Go watch the races again and you will realize that we gain in the change. The triumphs with more than ten seconds in advance have disappeared, and that's good. Especially since at the time, only two teams competed for all the victories, or four drivers. In 2012, seven different men reached the podium. In 2023, there will be fifteen of them.

Not only are the races more competitive today, but a larger majority can benefit from the benefits of aerodynamic technology.

 

Beauty is subjective

 

Next comes another more sensitive point, namely, the beauty of motorcycles. On this point, I agree. The fins are not the most graceful, and I much preferred when they didn't have them aesthetically speaking. But this argument does not hold water, because MotoGP is not made to be beautiful. Also, sensitivity to technological beauty is a dividing point. There is also something magnificent about the complexity of recent designs, but everyone has their own vision.

Never, this cannot be held against the fins or the manufacturers, who do their best to win a race, and not a competition of elegance.

 

 

MotoGP is not Superbike

 

I understand this argument. As the owner of a Yamaha, a Honda or an Aprilia, we would like to be able to recognize a MotoGP by the line to identify with it, as if we were part of the team. And it is clear that the fins look the same on all the machines; given the space they take up, they become hidden behind these large carbon prominences. All this is true, but once again, these motorcycles are not intended to represent the user. These are prototypes exclusively designed for racing. For this, you will have to turn to Superbike. But if you want to see what's best, then you have no choice but to stick with your appendages.

For several years now, manufacturers have been attaching fins to their hyper sports cars. Look at the latest Honda CBR1000RR-R or the all-new Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100. And let's be honest, even ten years ago, it would have been difficult to find common points, visually, between an official Yamaha YZR-M1 and a YZF-R1 from the same year, fins or not.

 

Conclusion

 

You don't have to like fins. You may even lose interest in the category because of the direction it's heading. But factually, they do not represent a danger for the spectacular dimension of our discipline, and do not have to serve any other interest than helping the driver to go faster. MotoGP must remain a sport of prototypes, whether they are beautiful, ugly, wide or thin. As long as there is fighting, tension, and new technological advances, the philosophical charter of the discipline is respected.

It's time to express yourself! What do you think about this crucial question? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport