Cost-cutting measures in MotoGP are taking shape—a change to the practice sessions could significantly impact strategy, risk, and the race format
MotoGP will undergo changes in 2027 that go beyond technical regulations. Additional measures will also transform the sport. This includes limiting teams to just one motorcycle per rider during practice.
Motorsport.com Spain has learned that manufacturers reaffirmed their desire at their recent meeting in Balaton Park to have only one motorcycle per rider starting in 2027.
This agreement within the Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA) has not yet been put in writing and would need to be approved by the Grand Prix Commission in order to be included in the regulations.
The planned measure stems from a shared interest in limiting the expenses of teams and manufacturers. However, there are voices within the MSMA itself that have certain reservations.
The reduction from two to one motorcycle would only affect practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. In the Sprint and Grand Prix races, riders would still have two motorcycles at their disposal.
This would mean that flag-to-flag races with motorcycle changes would still take place should the weather change. This format exists exclusively in MotoGP, but not in the two lower classes or in the Superbike World Championship.
In the Superbike World Championship, pit stops with tire changes are made in the event of a weather change. With MotoGP prototypes, this would be significantly more complex, even within a defined minimum time limit for the pit stop.
Additionally, riders can switch to the second motorcycle if a race is interrupted. Recent examples include the two race interruptions in Barcelona. Without a second motorcycle, there would have been many gaps on the starting grid at the third start.
However, the second motorcycle will not disappear entirely during practice sessions. It will be available at the back of the pit or in the truck. However, its use would require permission from the officials.
That said, this process and the preparation of the second motorcycle could take time. If a rider crashes during a practice session, it could happen that he is no longer able to ride the second motorcycle in that session.
Another planned change concerns the shortening of practice sessions. Slightly less riding time would mean that the components cover fewer kilometers and can therefore be used for a slightly longer period.
In addition, the MSMA wants to limit staff working hours. This would correspond to the so-called curfew in Formula 1, which has been in place for many years. Staff are only allowed to work in the pits during defined time slots.
This prevents staff from working through the night. Exceptions may be requested if, for example, a car in Formula 1 needs to be rebuilt after an accident.
