MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marc Marquez believes MotoGP’s switch to 850cc engines from the 2027 season is the correct direction for the championship, but he predicts lap times could remain similar or even become faster despite the smaller engine capacity.
The factory Ducati rider highlighted that current top speeds exceeding 360 km/h are no longer necessary for the spectacle of racing. According to Marquez, the growing speeds also increase safety risks because many circuits have limited run-off areas.
The new technical framework has been developed jointly by the championship promoter MotoGP, the governing body FIM, and the manufacturers’ association MSMA. Alongside reducing engine displacement from 1000cc to 850cc, the regulations will ban ride-height devices, restrict aerodynamic elements, and introduce a tyre supplier switch from Michelin to Pirelli.
“When there are new technical rules, they’re decided by the championship together with the MSMA. They decided to reduce the engine displacement, which I agree with, especially because in many circuits we were getting close to 360 km/h.”
“I think that’s an unnecessary speed for the show, and it increases the risk a lot. There was another issue as well: the run-off areas at many circuits were starting to become too small because riders were arriving faster to that point.”
Despite the intention to reduce top speeds, Marquez suggested the overall performance of the bikes may not drop significantly. Lighter motorcycles with improved handling characteristics could compensate for the reduction in power.
“What they’ve done is adapt the bikes to try to reduce that top speed, but I think lap times at many circuits will be very similar, or even faster, because you have lower weight and horsepower but better handling. We’ll see how it goes.”
Development of the next-generation 850cc machines is already underway across the grid. Ducati is expected to begin track testing its prototype soon, while rival manufacturers such as KTM, Honda, and Yamaha have also started early development programmes ahead of the regulation change.
Marquez also emphasised that the new rules will reset the competitive order and that no rider or manufacturer can be certain of immediate success once the regulations come into force.
“Nobody can guarantee that you will have the best bike. There is no magic wand here, and as a rider I don’t even know if I’ll adapt faster than the others.”
“It will also be a season of constant evolution.”
The 2026 season represents the final campaign for the current 1000cc MotoGP era before the new technical rules reshape the championship in 2027, with manufacturers accelerating development efforts to prepare for the transition.
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