In recent years, aerodynamics has become an increasingly crucial factor in the overall performance of MotoGP bikes. Ducati led the way with several innovations in this area, including the introduction of height adjustment devices.
These are areas currently receiving significant attention from manufacturers, and they can make a considerable difference in results, even if the impact on lap times isn’t substantial due to the close competition in the field.
Gigi Dall’Igna, the general director of Ducati Corse, told the YouTube channel PecinoGP that stable regulations might have given prominence to aerodynamics over the years—not so much the development limitations in other areas:
– In my opinion, it is due to the stability of the regulations. The MotoGP regulations have remained stable since 2011 – it’s been a long time. Aerodynamics is one of the few things, along with the bike height adjustment system, that started to be developed recently. Therefore, there was more room to find new solutions. But for some time now, everyone has worked on this, and more or less everyone has equaled out at a very high level. It is difficult to find any improvement.
The next new technical regulation will arrive in 2027, reducing the possibilities for aerodynamic development and banning height adjustment devices. Among other changes, the engine displacement will also decrease from the current 1,000 cubic centimeters to 850cc.