Are the 850cc bikes too fast? Dall’Igna and Rivola have spoken out

In 2027, the new rules will come into force in MotoGP. These stipulate a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000 to 850 cc, the removal of suspension height adjustment systems (devices) and reduced aerodynamics. In addition, there will be a switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres. The aim of these measures is to reduce speeds in the premier class of the World Motorcycle Championship.

The five manufacturers – Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda and Yamaha – are working intensively on the new bikes for next season. As a result, many test kilometres have already been covered this year. Although no official times have yet been announced from private tests, it has long been clear that the 850cc bikes fitted with Pirelli tyres are anything but slow. As reported by SPEEDWEEK.com, LCR Honda rookie Diogo Moreira set the fastest time at the Spielberg test. The Brazilian’s lap time was 1:28.4 mins. By way of comparison: in qualifying on race weekend, Moreira clocked a time of 1:29.1 mins on the 1000cc Honda. Another example: Pedro Acosta’s time at the Red Bull Ring, which was enough to secure a front-row start at the Grand Prix, was 1:27.9 mins. The KTM rider then clocked a time of 1:28.9 mins on the 850cc bike during the test.

Massimo Rivola und Gigi Dall'Igna in Indonesien

Foto: Gold & Goose

Gigi Dall’Igna: “A step we have to take”

The new 2027 rules are actually intended to slow down the MotoGP bikes. As it stands, the lap times of the 850cc bikes on Pirelli tyres are already close to those of the 1000cc bikes on Michelin tyres. Ducati Corse CEO Gigi Dall’Igna and Aprilia racing director Massimo Rivola commented on this issue at the Indonesian Grand Prix. “The main reason we want to reduce power isn’t the power itself – it’s the speed at which the riders enter the corners,” replied Gigi Dall’Igna. “That is why we are reducing engine power and displacement. Even if lap times are quite close to those of 2026, this will allow us to improve safety. To be honest, I think this is a step we have to take.”

Speaking of top speed: Jorge Martin and his Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi both set a MotoGP speed record of 368.6 km/h at Mugello in May. “At Mugello, both Marco and Jorge reached 368.6 km/h, and that’s fast,” said Massimo Rivola. “So if you take away more or less 50 horsepower, that will certainly reduce that speed. From what we can see, the lap times still seem to be quite fast. At the same time, the riders say the bike feels easier to ride. So perhaps it’s a bit easier to handle. But it’s better to look ahead than back, as the decision has been made.”

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Massimo Rivola: The tyre is still an unknown quantity

Rivola also pointed out that the picture could be different in the races. “We don’t know whether the times will remain consistently fast over the entire race distance,” said the Italian. “Over a single lap, the motorbikes seem to be quite fast – on some circuits perhaps even very fast, with a small time gap compared to the 1000s. But the tyre is certainly the decisive factor, and that is still an unknown at the moment.”

Marco Bezzecchi beim Spielberg-Test

Foto: David Ulrich