Giacomo Agostini criticizes two key developments in modern MotoGP and calls for more patience regarding transfers and greater influence for the riders once again
For Giacomo Agostini, one thing is clear: in some areas, modern MotoGP has strayed too far from what once defined the sport. The 15-time world champion is particularly critical of two developments: the rider market starting earlier and earlier, and the ever-growing influence of technology. In an interview with Moto.it, the Italian speaks openly about why he sees a need for change on both issues. Agostini is particularly clear on the topic of transfers. He considers it problematic that speculation and negotiations about team changes for the coming year begin as early as the start of the season. “Today, we’re moving too fast in everything,” says the Italian. Often, right at the start of the season, it’s already known that a rider will be competing for a completely different team the following year. This inevitably leads to something being lost—for both the rider and the team. Because if a rider is already planning a move, it can strain relationships within the team. At the same time, the team also wonders how intensely they should continue to work with a rider who is leaving soon anyway.
Agostini’s suggestion is therefore clear: “It would be right to wait at least until the middle of the season.” Only then should negotiations officially begin. In his opinion, there are currently too many rumors. Especially in the case of potential moves involving riders like Francesco Bagnaia, there is a lot of speculation, even though the teams are often already well-positioned. For Agostini, this is often just “tante chiacchiere”: a lot of talk that ultimately has little substance. Agostini takes an even more fundamental view when it comes to the technical development of the motorcycles. For him, the modern premier class has now reached a level where technology sometimes exerts too much influence on the races. “Today there is too much technology,” he says. His wish: the rider should once again take center stage. In the past, the rider’s talent played an even greater role. As an example, Agostini cites systems like the Ride Height Device, which allow motorcycles to be lowered or settings to be adjusted automatically at the push of a button. “Today, they press a button and everything lowers,” he explains. In the past, he says, much of it was simply a matter of the rider’s feel.
The record champion also takes a critical view of aerodynamics. For him, the now-ubiquitous wings on MotoGP bikes do not fit the character of a motorcycle. “Airplanes have wings, not motorcycles,” says Agostini. Against this backdrop, the Italian views the planned rule changes for 2027 positively. Among other things, MotoGP is set to switch to 850-cc engines and impose stricter limits on aerodynamic and technical capabilities. Whether the motorcycles have 850 or 1,000 cubic centimeters of displacement is less important. “Nothing changes for the audience,” he says. After all, fans don’t look at the displacement figures. What matters more is the effect on the racing. Less power could help reduce problems with tires, brakes, and rideability. Today, many riders have to pay close attention to their tires during the race and cannot constantly push to the limit. That is exactly what Agostini wants to see again: “We want to see the rider giving it his all.” For him, motorsports thrives on riders accomplishing feats that few people can master, not on how much technology is working behind the scenes.