Marc Marquez Slams ‘Robot’ Style of Modern MotoGP Bikes

Marc Marquez believes modern MotoGP bikes force riders into a “robot” style because aerodynamics increasingly dictate how the machinery behaves on track.

The Ducati rider compared the current generation of bikes with the machinery he raced between 2014 and 2016. During that period, riders could still use an aggressive style to create a meaningful performance difference.

“Now, it’s true that they are very nice to ride, but it’s more like a robot style. You need to follow what the aerodynamics want and you cannot override the bike,” Marquez said.

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Marquez explained that working against the aerodynamic characteristics now makes a rider slower. That contrasts with the bikes of a decade ago, when sliding or beginning to lose the front could form part of an aggressive approach that produced more speed.

“If you override the bike, you are against the aerodynamics and then you are even slower. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, without aerodynamics, if you overrode the bike, you were faster,” he said.

Marquez also believes downforce has made front-end moments much harder to save. The increased load placed on the front tyre means grip rarely returns once the rider begins to lose control, unlike the previous era when dramatic saves were more common.

The technical shift has also affected racing because the bikes are now more sensitive to front-tyre conditions and harder to overtake with. For Marquez, the issue is not linked specifically to Honda or Ducati, but to the overall character of the current MotoGP machinery.

The 2027 MotoGP regulations will reduce aerodynamic levels and ban ride-height devices. However, Marquez has previously argued that the new rules should have gone further in limiting aero development.