Marc Marquez says MotoGP’s move to 850cc engines from 2027 is the right decision, but predicts lap times could remain “similar, or even faster”.
The reigning champion described the current 360 km/h-plus top speeds as “unnecessary for the show” while increasing risk due to the limited size of run-off areas.
However, the factory Ducati star, seeking a record-equalling eighth premier-class crown this season, warned that he expects lap times to be “similar, or even faster”.
“When there are new technical rules, they’re decided by the championship together with the MSMA [manufacturers’ association],” Marc Marquez said during an interview with sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0.
“They decided to reduce the engine displacement, which I agree with, especially because in many circuits we were getting close to 360km/h.
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“I think that’s an unnecessary speed for the show, and it increases the risk a lot.
“There was another issue as well: the run-off areas at many circuits were starting to become too small because riders were arriving faster to that point.
“We need big run-off areas, because if something goes wrong, the wall starts to look closer.”
Marquez predicts lap times will not be sufficiently changed – despite also banning ride-height devices, switching from Michelin to Pirelli tyres and placing new limits on aerodynamics – since the smaller machines will have better handling.
However, despite also banning ride-height devices, switching from Michelin to Pirelli tyres and placing new limits on aerodynamics, Marquez predicts 850cc lap times might actually be faster.
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“What they’ve done is adapt the bikes to try to reduce that top speed, but I think lap times at many circuits will be very similar, or even faster, because you have lower weight and horsepower, but better handling,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Ducati, which has won the MotoGP riders’ title for the past four years, is expected to start track testing of its 850cc prototype soon.
Marquez, meanwhile, is yet to officially re-sign, explaining he wanted to understand the condition of his healing shoulder, but a new deal is seen as a formality.
Nonetheless, the 33-year-old admits there are no guarantees about competitiveness under the new rules.
“Nobody can guarantee that you will have the best bike – [there is] no magic wand here – and, as a rider, I don’t even know if I’ll adapt faster than the others.
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“It will also be a season of constant evolution.”
Marquez left the opening round of the final 1000cc campaign with just nine points after a penalty in the Buriram Sprint was followed by retirement due to wheel rim damage in the Thai Grand Prix.
KTM’s current title leader, Pedro Acosta, is tipped to partner Marquez at Ducati in place of Francesco Bagnaia next season.
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