Marc Marquez says MotoGP\u2019s move to 850cc engines from 2027 is the right decision, but predicts lap times could remain \u201csimilar, or even faster\u201d.<\/p>\n
The reigning champion described the current 360 km\/h-plus top speeds as \u201cunnecessary for the show\u201d while increasing risk due to the limited size of run-off areas.<\/p>\n
However, the factory Ducati<\/a> star, seeking a record-equalling eighth premier-class crown this season, warned that he expects lap times to be \u201csimilar, or even faster\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen there are new technical rules, they\u2019re decided by the championship together with the MSMA [manufacturers\u2019 association],\u201d Marc Marquez<\/a> said during an interview with sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0.<\/p>\n \u201cThey decided to reduce the engine displacement, which I agree with, especially because in many circuits we were getting close to 360km\/h.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cI think that\u2019s an unnecessary speed for the show, and it increases the risk a lot.<\/p>\n \u201cThere 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need big run-off areas, because if something goes wrong, the wall starts to look closer.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, \u00a0despite 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.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cWhat they\u2019ve 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,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll see how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n