MotoGP Could Bid Goodbye to 1000cc Engines and Wave Hello to Better Racing

MotoGP discussions are threatening the 1000cc engine. The majority vote is in favour of reducing engine size to 850cc in 2027.

Back in 2002 when the MotoGP era began, MotoGP bikes had 990cc four-stroke engines. In 2007, things were shaken up when 800cc engines were introduced. Engine designers were under pressure to chase power in the face of reduced engine displacement, so reliance on electronics increased, along with the cost. In 2012, the 1000cc was agreed to create healthy competition between manufacturers.

Or that is what it seemed. But, recent years have seen less overtakes, less excitement and to be quite frank, boring races.

So why would reducing engine size help, you ask? The 2016 rule which introduced the single ECU should avoid pricey bids for electronic modifications which might limit competitiveness.

More change is on the way, too. The next 5-year contract cycle that Dorna will draw up is rumoured to also cut back on aerodynamics (which currently make it exceedingly harder to slipstream) and ban ride-height devices (designed to lower the bike’s centre of gravity and reduce wheelie risk during hard acceleration).

We’re pro change, on all these accounts. Why? Well, MotoGP is getting just a little bit predictable…

That’s not to say we’re not IN LOVE with the Championship. But things aren’t as hot as they used to be. Remember those nail-biting last-lap battles between the top 3? Overtakes seem to be a thing of the past and we want them back!

The ride-height devices have simply made it easier to accelerate out of the corner and brake more harshly. With this, Michelin tyres haven’t been up for the job. Races have seen riders retire into the pits due to the devices sticking closed, forcing a dangerous negotiation through the pack.

The new rules should balance the paddock back out and give room for more overtakes, while removing the complication of failing devices.

Engine displacement, aerodynamic cutbacks, a ban on ride height devices. Well, they do say ‘good things come in 3s’….