New regs for MotoGP: will additional tech attract more investment?

MotoGP has once again been making headlines. 

It’s not because of the Liberty Media take-over, or the news that the Grand Prix of Kazakhstan has officially been postponed to later this year (yet, rather surprisingly, it has actually made its way back on to the calendar already, replacing India). This time, it’s the announcement of new regulations from 2027 onwards. 

Announced shortly before the French GP at the iconic Le Mans circuit, the championship revealed that the bikes will see a reduction in engine capacity to 850cc (from 1000cc), the ride height adjustment devices will be removed, and the use of aerodynamics will be revised. Furthermore, in a bid to echo its four-wheel counterpart, Formula 1, GPS data will be openly shared between all teams. 
 
As always with regulation changes, many riders aired their opinions. The Italian optimist Fabio Di Giannantonio and member of the VR46 clan commented: "The [current] aero is fantastic, the devices and stuff, it's like Formula 1 on two wheels. But for the future, it will be interesting to see if these new regulations make us ride closer and have closer battles… because at the moment it's a bit tough.”
 
However, colourful Aussie KTM rider, Jack Miller, was rather miffed at the idea of sharing GPS information, saying: “GPS data available to everybody? What the f**k is that for? It’s motorcycle racing, the whole idea is to get the edge over your competition – not tell them exactly where you are going faster.”
 
All jokes aside, with the recent acquisition by Liberty Media and reports that they have received an ‘outpouring of interest’ from OEMs, the championship must maintain the gripping on-track battles that it currently hosts.
 
With this in mind, fans and riders alike have been assured that lap times will remain eye-wateringly quick, racing will be even closer, and the championship won’t be tainted by too much tech. Only time will tell.