MotoGP technical boss comments on early 2027 prototype bikes

MotoGP’s technical director Corrado Cecchinelli has given his first assessment of the 2027 850cc prototypes that have been glimpsed so far in testing.

Next year will see MotoGP undergo one of its biggest regulation overhauls in history, as it moves from 1000cc engines to 850cc motors, as well as stripping back aerodynamics and eliminating ride height devices.

So far, we have seen glimpses of Ducati, Aprilia and Honda’s 2027 prototypes, which have offered an idea of what next year’s bikes will ultimately look like.

Speaking to Sky Italy at the Spanish Grand Prix, Cecchinelli suggests the shape of the bikes will ultimately change by the start of 2027 and admits he doesn’t even know if the current prototypes would actually be passed as legal.

“Obviously, I personally don't know, but experience would tell me that they're definitely not the final shapes,” he said.

“Not necessarily because they're trying to hide, but because it's very early in the development process.

“So, I don't even know if they're compliant with the 2027 regulations or not yet. So I couldn't really judge.”

The early prototypes maintain many of the visual characteristics of the current aerodynamic regulations, with Cecchinelli noting that it will remain “an important topic” for development into the new era.

“I think it will remain an important topic,” he explained

“It certainly doesn't mean eliminating all aerodynamic appendages.

“Its importance will be reduced.

“So, it will remain an important topic, less so than today, hopefully with slightly different effects, particularly on the danger of suction during braking.

“We hope to make a difference on all these issues.

“It's certainly not about eliminating aerodynamic studies.”

He added: "Obviously, everything is so crucial in modern motorcycles that the design is integrated, so yes, the dimensions of the body and fairing also influence the engine layout orientations.

“I don't think there's any need to change anything else or consider other architectures just for the differences we're introducing in 2027, and so I don't think anyone will consider different architectures.

“However, consider that the biggest difference in width occurs quite high up and therefore isn't that critical for the engine width.

“Of course, an inline-four would be a bit narrow, but consider that it would also be smaller than today.”