The International Motorcycle Racing Association (FIM) has adopted new technical rules for MotoGP, which will launch a new generation of MotoGP for the 2027 season. The new rules are the most significant technological innovation since 2012; The most notable change is the reduction of the MotoGP engine displacement limit to 850cc, compared to the previous 1000cc in 2012.
MotoGP will implement a new factory specification in 2027
The bore of the MotoGP factory car will be reduced from the current 81mm to 75mm, and the engine will remain in a four-stroke setting. MotoGP officials say that a smaller displacement will reduce the top speed and improve safety; At the same time, it can also improve fuel consumption, resulting in higher efficiency and sustainability.
The biggest change in the new rules is the downward revision of engine displacement from 1000c.c. to 850c.c.
To encourage the development of more durable engines, the new race rules will reduce the number of engines allocated to each driver, from seven to six in the current 20 races. If the season consists of 21 or 22 races, the engine allocation limit is increased to 7. The gearbox gear ratio will also be limited to 16 speeds, plus four different main gear ratios that can be used in a single season.
The number of engines per season has also been lowered from seven to six, but it will be revised down to seven if the season exceeds 20 races
Considering that the new engine will be a new challenge for all manufacturers, the licensing system will also be restarted. All established manufacturers will be classified as Tier B at the start of the 2027 season; Any new manufacturers that join that season will start at Tier D. The concession system will be adjusted based on the current season's results in the middle of the 2027 season, and the existing franchise ranking system will be reinstated after the 2027 season.
To improve efficiency, the allowable fuel tank capacity will be increased from 22 to 20 litres for the entire race, and the fuel tank capacity will be reduced from 12 litres to 11 litres for the sprint races. The fuel itself will also be different, with 100% sustainable fuel mandated for the series instead of the current 40% sustainable fuel ratio. These permafuels are expected to be blended from synthetic or biofuels.
The licensing ranking of manufacturers will also be reset in 2027
The fuel tank capacity has also been reduced by 2 litres to 20 litres, and 100% of the fuel will be used on sustainable fuel
The 2027 season will also see stricter aerodynamic restrictions. The maximum width of the front fairing will be reduced from 600mm to 550mm, and the nose cone part of the front fairing will also be moved back by 50mm. This change is expected to reduce the role of the aerodynamic package in the straight line and braking areas. The rear aerospoiler must be certified before the start of the season, and each manufacturer can upgrade once during the season.
In addition to the engine, the reduction of the aero kit is also a key focus of this reform
The rear aerodynamic kit is also limited to one upgrade per season
The new rules will also prohibit seat height adjustments, including the "holeshot" device, which is designed to improve the start. The minimum weight limit will also be revised down from the current 157 kg for a 1000cc engine to 153 kg; GPS data for all drivers will also be made available to all other teams at the end of each stage, allowing teams with lower rankings to benefit from more data.
In addition, Holeshot and seat height adjustment devices to help with the start will also be banned
At the end of each stage, the GPS data of all riders will also be disclosed
How these changes are perceived depends on each individual's understanding of MotoGP events. Those who see MotoGP as the pinnacle of motorcycling and a testing ground for performance improvement may see this as a step backwards. Conversely, those who want MotoGP to better reflect production cars, or shift the focus from technology to individual driver skills, may see these changes as good for the race.
It remains to be seen how manufacturers will adapt to these changes, and whether the new rules will attract more manufacturers, such as BMW Motorrad, which has been considering joining the series for a while now, or bringing back manufacturers who have withdrawn from the range, such as KAWASAKI and SUZUKI.