New pieces of tech are something we’re becoming accustomed to seeing in modern-day MotoGP™, and it’s a topic that fascinates many of us.
Here, we’ll have a brief look at the main things each factory have been testing so far in 2023.
DUCATI:
One of the big talking points for Ducati in 2023 has been the new engine. The 2023-spec is based more around the 2021 spec than the 2022 spec, something that has helped Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco to be more consistently competitive this season.
There’s been a split decision between Ducati Lenovo Team and Prima Pramac Racing regarding aero. Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini have been running the downwash ducts, while Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco have been racing with the ground effect side fairings.
KTM:
While Ducati have made small adjustments to their title-winning 2022 Desmosedici, KTM’s RC16 has undergone quite a big evolution. A new engine, a new chassis and a new tail/seat unit have all been noticeable, but arguably the biggest differences in 2023 are KTM’s aerodynamics.
Their close work with Red Bull Advanced Technologies has allowed them to produce aero parts with more expertise and quicker than before. The rear wing, for example, has become a prominent piece on the RC16 in 2023, and it’s clear that the work being done with Red Bull in the aero department is helping.
APRILIA:
Updated aero is something we can heavily link to Aprilia too – and it’s the main topic when it goes to what the Italian brand has been working on in 2023. The Noale factory have the most complex ground effect side fairings on the grid, while Aprilia also have lots of little aero parts to boast, such as the fork-mounted wings, rear wing and small, rudder-like parts that sit on the side of the front wheel and hang off the swingarm.
YAMAHA:
The big talking point surrounding Yamaha in 2023 is the new engine. They’ve gained some horsepower, but it seems to have cost them overall performance – especially in turning, which has been such a strong point for the YZR-M1 in years gone by.
Aero has also been an issue in the Iwata camp. Yamaha are craving more downforce, but larger aero packages cause issues in other areas of the bike. Reverting back to their 2022 aero on the front fairing has been the solution so far in 2023, but this is an area where improvements need to be made in comparison to Ducati, KTM and Aprilia.
HONDA:
Many of us have seen or heard about a very notable change for 2023 for the Japanese giants: the Kalex chassis. After testing three of their own, Honda turned to Kalex. However, none of the chassis that have been tried have given them the step forward they’re desperate for.
Like Yamaha, gains in the aero department haven’t been on the same level as their European manufacturer counterparts. This is something we can expect Honda to be working hard on, especially for their 2024 RC213V – a bike that they’ll already be putting plenty of focus into.
What will we see break cover for the rest of 2023? The Misano Test is always a key outing and it’s where we’ll begin to see the full-time riders start to test parts that could make their way onto the bikes for the 2024 campaign.