MotoGP lap times are set to take a hit in 2027
MotoGP lap times are set to take a hit in 2027 as part of the new 850cc engine change, but perhaps by a smaller margin than you might expect.
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that MotoGP is heading for a rather large set of regulation changes in 2027, none of which are bigger than the switch to 850cc engines.
The new 850cc power units will replace the current 1,000cc engines, which have powered MotoGP prototypes since 2012.
Other substantial changes that are coming in 2027 include Pirelli replacing Michelin as the sole tyre provider for the series. Ride height devices will be banned, while a cutback on aerodynamics will also take place. 2027 will also mark the first time ever that MotoGP bikes will run on 100 per cent sustainable fuel.
What all of this means is that MotoGP bikes are set to become slower, which actually might not be a bad thing. The current machines are the fastest that have ever been manufactured by the different teams competing in the series.
And while that has given us plenty of thrilling racing, new lap records at a lot of tracks, and incredible top speeds, there’s an argument that the sport has become more unsafe as a result. In theory, making the bikes a little bit slower should also help in the event of a crash.
But how much slower will the 2027 bikes be exactly? That’s a question that, at this early stage, remains a difficult one to answer. However, former MotoGP race winner and current Dorna Safety Advisor Loris Capirossi has weighed in on the matter.
Speaking on the Mig Babol podcast, which is hosted by ex-Moto3 race winner Andrea Migno, Capirossi claimed lap times will be around 2.5 seconds slower than what we see currently, saying:
“The motorcycles will be up to 2.5 seconds slower. It will be just like in 2007, when the 800cc bikes were introduced [and replaced the 990s]. Initially, it’s normal for them to be slower. The data collected by engineers at the manufacturers involved in the initial simulations indicates that the motorcycles in 2027 will be 1.5 to 2.5 seconds slower than the current ones."
So far, KTM and Honda are the only known competitors to have tested their new 850cc engines on track ahead of next year.
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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.