Honda’s Technical Director Romano Albesiano has warned that aerodynamics will become “even more important” in MotoGP despite the regulatory clampdown planned for the 2027 season. The upcoming technical regulations aim to curb the dominance of aerodynamic aids, especially winglets, in an effort to enhance racing safety, sustainability, and spectacle. Yet, Albesiano believes that engineers will continue to exploit every external surface of the motorcycle to generate downforce, making aerodynamics a critical battleground moving forward.
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The 2027 rule changes include a reduction in the maximum width of the front fairing from 600 mm to 550 mm and a dramatic cut in its height from 1250 mm to 550 mm. Additionally, the foremost point of the front fairing will be pushed back 50 mm, and the tapering towards the rear of the bike will be less pronounced. These modifications are expected to drastically alter the MotoGP bikes’ visual profile. However, Albesiano does not expect these changes to diminish the fundamental role of aerodynamics in bike development.
The regulations have changed with the goal
“The regulations have changed with the goal of reducing aerodynamics, especially the winglets. There will probably be less downforce coming from the winglets,” Albesiano told Motorsport.com. “But engineers today are experimenting with airflow around the entire bike. It’s not just about the winglets. Winglets catch the eye, but engineers are playing with air pressure around every part of the bike. So, I think aerodynamics will be even more important in the future.”
He highlighted that nearly every visible component of the bike must now be designed with both mechanical and aerodynamic considerations in mind. “For example, the swingarm has now become an aerodynamic piece. And the exhaust: it’s not enough to design the best exhaust for performance; it must also fit the aerodynamic project of the bike,” Albesiano explained.
The rise of aerodynamic complexity, pioneered by Ducati in the mid-2010s, has been widely blamed for deteriorating on-track racing by making it harder for riders to follow closely through corners. Yet, Albesiano stressed that aerodynamics is not the sole factor impacting race quality. He pointed to front tyre pressure management as another significant challenge, especially with Pirelli set to replace Michelin as MotoGP’s official tyre supplier in 2027.
I hope next year managing front tyre pressure
“I hope next year managing front tyre pressure will be less critical. That’s what I hope, but I don’t know,” he added. “Today, front tyre pressure is influencing races a lot—not qualifying, but the race. It’s a different issue, but both [aerodynamics and tyre pressure] are affecting the racing.”
As MotoGP prepares for its most comprehensive technical overhaul in years, the push and pull between restricting aerodynamic aids and the relentless innovation of engineers will be a defining storyline. Albesiano’s stark assessment sets the tone for a technical arms race that promises to shape the future of motorcycle racing beyond 2027.
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