Predictions that the upcoming 2027 MotoGP regulations will significantly slow the championship may be overstated, according to KTM technical director Sebastian Risse. While many observers expect a clear drop in performance once the new rules arrive, Risse believes the impact will vary from track to track and may be less dramatic than widely assumed.
MotoGP is preparing for one of the most significant technical resets in its modern history. Beginning in 2027, the current 1000cc engines will be replaced with smaller 850cc units as part of an effort to reduce speeds and improve safety. The new regulations will also limit aerodynamic devices and eliminate ride-height systems, technologies that have become increasingly influential in recent seasons.
Another major shift involves tyre supply. French manufacturer Michelin will step aside as the championship’s supplier, with Italian company Pirelli set to take over the role. The combination of a new engine formula, revised aerodynamics, and a different tyre partner has led many analysts to predict noticeably slower lap times when the regulations come into effect.
Source: KTM
Risse, however, believes the situation may not be as straightforward. After overseeing KTM’s first on-track evaluation of its 850cc prototype at the Circuito de Jerez in December, he suggested that the loss of engine power will not affect every circuit in the same way. On some tracks, riders rarely use full throttle even with today’s powerful machines, meaning the reduction in engine capacity may not significantly influence overall pace.
Technical circuits such as the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and Jerez could therefore see only minor differences in lap times. These venues place greater emphasis on braking, corner speed, and rider precision rather than outright engine power. In those environments, the new bikes could maintain a rhythm close to the current generation, potentially preserving the tight racing that defines many MotoGP events.
Tracks with long straights are more likely to feel the impact. With less power available and the removal of ride-height devices that previously helped maximise acceleration, top speeds could initially drop by around 15 to 20 km/h. Even so, Risse views this reduction as a balanced way to slow the bikes without affecting the quality of racing, shifting the focus more toward rider skill and chassis performance.
Any initial performance gap may also narrow over time as manufacturers continue to develop their engines. Risse noted that KTM’s previous MotoGP power units typically gained around five to six horsepower each year through ongoing engineering improvements. He expects similar progress with the new 850cc engines, particularly during the early stages of development.
As teams prepare for the next technical era, the true impact of the 2027 rules will only become clear once the new machines begin racing. For now, Risse’s perspective suggests that while MotoGP may lose some top speed, the intensity and competitiveness of the sport are unlikely to disappear.
