Marquez welcomes MotoGP restrictions: "360 km/h unnecessary for the spectacle"

– MotoGP is facing a major technical upheaval, and one of the series’ biggest stars already has a clear assessment of it. Marc Marquez expects lower top speeds with the new 850cc bikes from 2027, but does not believe that MotoGP will become significantly slower as a result.

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“They have adapted the bikes to try to reduce the top speed. However, I think the times on many tracks will be very similar or even faster,” Marquez analyzes in a conversation with Estrella Galicia.

Because you take away weight and power, “but in return you gain agility,” says the reigning world champion. “We will see how that develops.” The 33-year-old generally views the reduction in displacement from the current 1000 to 850cc in the future positively, especially for safety reasons.

“When a new regulation is introduced, it is pushed forward by the championship together with the MSMA, the manufacturers’ association. They have decided to reduce the displacement, which I agree with, especially because speeds of almost 360 km/h were reached on many tracks.”

Marquez: MotoGP has become too fast

For Marquez, such top speeds are not necessary and increase the risk: “I think that is an unnecessary speed for the spectacle and increases the risk significantly.”

“It also brings another problem with it,” he adds. “The run-off areas of many tracks have become smaller and smaller because you arrived faster every time. We need more run-off areas, because if a mistake happens, the wall gets closer and closer.”

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At the same time, the Spaniard emphasizes that currently no one can predict exactly how the new MotoGP generation will develop and what the balance of power will look like.

“No one can guarantee that you will have the best bike in 2027. No one has a magic wand. Even I as a rider don’t know if I will adapt faster than the others, but it will be a season of constant development.”

Major changes planned from 2027

The background for Marquez’s statements are the comprehensive rule changes that will be introduced in MotoGP from 2027. It was already announced in May 2024 that the technical regulations of the premier class will change significantly.

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The most important measure is the reduction of displacement from 1000 to 850cc. One of the goals is to lower top speeds and increase safety. At the same time, costs for manufacturers are also to be reduced.

In addition, a simplification of aerodynamics is planned, although it is not yet fully determined how strong the restrictions will actually be. Furthermore, the so-called ride-height devices will be abolished. However, these systems may still be used at the start on the grid.

Another significant innovation concerns the tires: From 2027, Pirelli will replace Michelin as the exclusive supplier for MotoGP. Another test took place this week.

Much curiosity, but also uncertainty

How this combination of changes will affect the behavior of the bikes is currently still open. Riders and engineers are therefore following the development of the new prototypes with great curiosity, but also with a certain degree of caution.

A real assessment will probably only be possible when the new bikes are actually used in racing. However, an upheaval like the one currently in Formula 1 is not expected in MotoGP. There, the new technical rules of the current season caused significant criticism from many drivers.

Max Verstappen was particularly clear. “Chaos. Honestly, I can’t find the right words to describe it,” he commented on the new set of rules.

While some drivers, such as those from the ranks of Mercedes and Ferrari, expressed themselves more cautiously and Charles Leclerc called for giving the changes in Formula 1 a bit more time first, it remains to be seen how their own major rule reform in MotoGP will develop from the 2027 season.

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