In three years, MotoGP will have new technical regulations, signaling considerable changes for the bikes. This work is already underway by manufacturers, as development takes time. Yamaha is no exception, and technical director Max Bartolini has addressed the matter.
According to the Italian engineer, who spoke with SPEEDWEEK.com, Yamaha has not yet made a decision regarding the final concept for the 2027 bike: ‘We are discussing the new foundations, but there is no final concept yet’.
Bartolini believes that Yamaha does not necessarily need to switch to a V engine: ‘I think we are well-advised to start with the current concept. We have been using an inline engine, which in my view has several good aspects. The design of the bike is, therefore, very logical, less complex, and there is no reason to switch to a V engine concept just because of the aspect of controlling the new displacement’.
Nevertheless, both types of engines will be studied, as the technical director assured: ‘My view: the freedom to work in other areas of the bike, including aerodynamics, is greater with an inline engine. Nonetheless, in a perfect world, both variants need to be examined in detail, but at this moment, I cannot provide a definitive answer. But of course, we need to have a finalized concept by the start of next season at the latest’.
Then, Bartolini also highlighted that the intention behind the new regulations is very clear, but he has some doubts about whether it will be fulfilled: ‘The message behind the new regulations for less speed and more safety is clear – and the adopted aspects are a way to address it. But I have my doubts whether the real objective can be achieved through this path’.