Guenther Steiner believes 850cc MotoGP era could take a step backwards initially
Guenther Steiner has revealed why he thinks MotoGP might be set to take a step back, before taking two steps forward when the series switches to 850cc machinery in 2027.
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has provided a theory on why racing in MotoGP might not be better straight away in 2027.
The series will switch from the current 1,000cc engines to smaller 850cc power units next season, in what will be one of the biggest changes the championship has gone through in decades.
Numerous changes are set to be implemented, including restrictions on aerodynamics, which could be the biggest reason why racing eventually becomes closer.
MotoGP already provides extremely close racing, but like all championships, it is always striving to make the spectacle better. Closer racing is one of, if not the main, elements that fans want to see, and the new bikes could help to provide that.
Like with any major change, though, there could be a bedding in period that takes place with the new bikes, and if one manufacturer ends up out-developing its competitors, it could lead to a dominant start to the season for that brand, or even one particular rider.
Steiner, who also believes that MotoGP is currently in a very strong position when it comes to ‘the show’ being entertaining, has a ‘one step back, two forward” theory about the new 850cc bikes.
Speaking at Silverstone ahead of the British MotoGP last weekend, Steiner said:
“I think the racing is pretty exciting now, most of the time. You get the odd race where you can say it could be a little bit better, but I think it’s quite exciting. I think what [the 850cc bikes] will put in there is that we make a little bit of a step back to make two forward towards racing.
“A little bit less power, a little bit less aerodynamics, and I think that will happen. The riders tell me they are handling nicely, they have control over it, and that’s the most important thing.”
Although there have been no official lap times revealed from private 850cc tests, Ducati and Aprilia are believed to be the early favourites for 2027.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
