MotoGP Announces 2026 Engine Freeze Ahead of 2027’s 850cc Revolution

MotoGP has confirmed an agreement to implement an engine freeze before the introduction of new regulations in 2027. The freeze on engine development will start in 2026.

The Grand Prix Commission has revealed that starting with the 2026 season, there will be a halt in MotoGP engine development, in anticipation of the transition to 850cc engines in 2027.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 2027 MotoGP season will undergo one of the most significant regulation changes since the introduction of 1000cc motorcycles, which replaced the 800cc models in 2012.

Starting in 2027, MotoGP bikes will use 850cc engines. Additionally, there will be significant cuts to aerodynamics and a complete prohibition on devices that adjust ride height.

In recent months, manufacturers have been considering a halt on engine development to manage expenses effectively while they redirect their efforts towards the year 2027.

At present, manufacturers that do not hold concessions are required to get their engines approved before the start of a new season and are prohibited from making any further developments to them throughout the remainder of the year.

The halt will officially start at the beginning of 2026, but in practice, it applies to producers not listed in concession group D starting next year. This is because their engines from 2025 must be used in the 2026 racing season.

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, there is a halt on engine development, similar to when engines from the 2020 racing season had to be utilized again in 2021 for brands without concessions.

At present, Yamaha and Honda are permitted to keep enhancing their engines until 2026, provided they do not achieve the necessary outcomes to elevate their concession status from rank D.

In 2026, manufacturers that are not classified as concession rank D will be permitted to modify their engines for reasons related to safety and reliability, or if essential parts are no longer obtainable for engine production.

Nonetheless, these modifications should not result in any improvement in performance.

MotoGP announced that engine specifications will be locked for 2026, requiring manufacturers to utilize their 2025 engine models in the subsequent year as well.

The Grand Prix Commission agreed to the suggestion to manage expenses and maintain fairness ahead of MotoGP's transition to new motorcycles in 2027.

"The introduction of these new bikes is set to enhance MotoGP by increasing safety, promoting sustainability, and adding to the excitement, with a complete overhaul of engine specifications."

By halting development in the previous season, expenses are managed for everyone, enabling factories to concentrate on their upcoming designs for 2027.

"The only exemptions from the freeze will apply to safety or reliability concerns, and for any manufacturers classified under concession Rank D."

Adjustments for safety or dependability, or confirmed unavailability of parts, might be permitted for any manufacturer as long as there is no enhancement in performance.

"For facilities classified under Rank D concessions, the freeze on engine specifications will remain unenforced unless there is a change in their classification."

The specifications for these will continue to be available at no cost, enabling those who are further behind in performance compared to the leaders to keep improving crucial parts of their equipment.

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