MotoGP may be hurtling through the 2026 season but there’s already an eye on 2027 with all things rider line-up, technical regulations and more. The 850cc era is honing into view and whetting our appetite for it is Aleix Espargaro, Honda HRC’s test rider. Having already had a first taste of what’s to come for the full grid, the three-time MotoGP Grand Prix winner revealed a few details as to what to expect – and it’d be fair to say that we’re even more excited!
"I'm not allowed really to talk about that [850cc] project, but the thing that I can tell you is that the bike is very fun" said Espargaro, starting to really talk about the project. "The riders will have a lot of fun; it's a lot more fun than the 1000 bike. The Pirelli tyres are super grippy and with a little bit less torque on the bottom, you can rush a little bit in the apex.”
Some of the key changes for 2027 and onwards include new tyres, away from Michelin and onto Pirelli rubber, reduced aero and a ban on holeshot devices. The engine capacity is likewise reduced from 1000cc (which has been in MotoGP since 2012) to 850cc, the fourth different type of engine capacity since MotoGP’s 4-stroke introduction in 2002 (990cc from 2002 – 2006, 800cc from 2007 – 2011 and 1000cc since 2012).
Continuing to speak about the incoming 850cc era and other aspects of the new bikes, Espargaro couldn’t hide his own excitement: "The bike is more than 10kg lighter, so the change of direction is super good. So, the riders - and I think also the people at home - will have fun because I think there will be a lot more battles. I really can’t wait to show everybody the new bike."
Still plenty of fun to be had before all that though as 2026 rumbles on; don't miss out on what is shaping up to be a corking season!