MotoGP 2027: Capirossi predicts bikes up to 2.5 seconds slower with 850cc engines

MotoGP will undergo a profound technical reform from 2027, with the reduction of engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc. Loris Capirossi, former driver and current safety officer at Dorna, indicated that simulations point to lap times between 1.5 and 2.5 seconds higher. Essas changes aim to increase safety and improve the spectacle on the tracks.

The changes also include a ban on height adjustment devices and a significant reduction in aerodynamics. Pirelli will assume the exclusive supply of tires, replacing Michelin after years of partnership. Todas these measures were unanimously approved by the teams and manufacturers to balance the grid and promote more competitive races.

The central objectives of the new regulation involve greater pilot control over the motorcycles and a reduction in maximum speeds. Fabricantes like KTM and Honda have already started testing with 850cc prototypes during the European winter. The expectation is that gradual development will compensate for part of the initial loss of performance.

Main technical changes introduced

The 2027 regulations represent the biggest revision since the adoption of 1000cc engines in 2012. The reduction in displacement to 850cc limits the maximum cylinder diameter to 75mm and maintains the four-cylinder configuration.

Fuel tank capacity will drop from 22 to 20 liters in main races, with a limit of 11 liters in sprints. The minimum weight of the motorcycles will be reduced to 153kg, facilitating adaptation to the new components.

Impact on aerodynamics and devices

Aerodynamics will undergo drastic cuts, with the elimination of several appendages that generate load at high speed. Height adjustment devices, used to optimize starts and accelerations, will be completely prohibited.

These restrictions should reduce speeds on straights and increase the importance of drivers’ skill in corners. Dani Pedrosa, KTM test rider, highlighted that the changes will give greater control back to competitors.

Transition to Pirelli tires

The arrival of Pirelli as a sole supplier marks another important novelty for 2027. The Italian company has already carried out initial tests with current motorcycles to develop suitable compounds.

Test drivers point out that adapting to the new tires can be the most unpredictable factor in the package. Pirelli plans private sessions with manufacturers to accelerate development during 2026.

Initial performance predictions

Loris Capirossi compared the situation to the transition to 800cc engines in 2007, when times also increased at the beginning. Segundo he, simulation data indicates a loss of 1.5 to 2.5 seconds per lap depending on the circuit.

The absence of aerodynamic elements and the lower power of the engines explain most of this difference. With technological advances, teams should recover part of their performance over the following seasons.

Tests carried out by manufacturers

KTM was the first to put an 850cc prototype on track in late 2025. Honda followed suit with planned sessions at Malásia, utilizing test rider Takaaki Nakagami.

Other brands such as Ducati, Yamaha and Aprilia are expected to intensify development programs throughout 2026.

Sustainability measures adopted

The use of 100% sustainable fuel becomes mandatory from 2027. The reduction in fuel consumption follows the smaller capacity of tanks and the efficiency of new engines.

These initiatives reinforce the category’s environmental commitment. Dorna works in partnership with suppliers to ensure the transition without compromising reliability.

Historical comparison with previous changes

The change from 990cc to 800cc in 2007 served as a reference for current projections. On that occasion, lap times initially rose before falling with development.

Capirossi believes that the pattern will be repeated in 2027. The restrictions were calibrated to allow gradual evolution of the bikes over the years.

Expected effects in the show

The changes aim to produce more unpredictable races with a greater number of overtakes. The reduction in maximum speeds should bring competitors closer together in the braking zones.

Pedrosa emphasized that starts will become less predictable without electronic devices. The balance between safety and entertainment guided all regulation decisions.

Preparing teams for the transition

The teams were given until the end of 2026 to approve the new engines. Testes Private parties gain importance to accumulate data before the official season.

Sharing GPS information across all teams facilitates collective development. The testing schedule has been adjusted to accommodate additional demands from manufacturers.

MotoGP’s new technical rules for 2027 promise to usher in a safer and more competitive era. The combination of smaller engines, less aerodynamics and new tires is expected to change the dynamics of racing significantly. The next months of development will be decisive in defining the level of initial competitiveness.

Concession system details

All manufacturers will start 2027 at Rank B of the grants system. Reevaluation will take place mid-season based on 2027 results only.

New brands will receive additional benefits to facilitate entry. The objective is to keep the grid balanced despite radical changes to the regulations.

Implementation schedule

The rules come into full force in the 2027 pre-season. Testes with 2027 specifications are released from 2026 onwards.

Pirelli will be holding dedicated tire sessions over the next year. Manufacturers coordinate efforts to avoid adaptation delays.

Main technical changes for 2027:

• Displacement reduction to 850cc with a maximum bore of 75mm
• Total ban on height adjustment devices
• Significant cut in aerodynamic elements
• Fuel tank limited to 20 liters (11 in sprints)
• Tires supplied exclusively by Pirelli
• Mandatory 100% sustainable fuel
• Minimum weight reduced to 153kg

These changes were designed to balance performance, safety and sustainability in the premier category of global motorcycling.