Ducati Sees Opportunity in 2027 MotoGP Rules

Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities presented by MotoGP's 2027 rules. The new regulations will bring significant changes to the motorcycles, including smaller 850cc engines, the banning of ride-height devices, tighter limits on aerodynamics, and a switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres.

## Changes to MotoGP Bikes These changes will require manufacturers to build almost completely new bikes. According to Dall’Igna, the know-how and experience gained from previous years will still be valuable, but there will not be many components that can be carried over to the new bikes. The ban on ride-height devices, the new engine capacity, and the different tyres will all require significant redesigns.

The new rules are seen as a 'blank sheet' opportunity for engineers and designers to start from scratch and create a completely new motorcycle. Dall’Igna believes that this is an exciting challenge, and that starting from a completely new design can be a major advantage. He compared it to having a new toy to play with, where engineers can be creative and try out new ideas.

## Proposed Hybrid Engine Dall’Igna also proposed the idea of introducing F1-style hybrid engines to the new MotoGP bikes. He believes that a small electric motor could be a valuable addition to the bike, and that it could bring some benefits. However, he acknowledges that the cost of implementing such a system could be a major obstacle. Despite this, he thinks that it could be an important area of development, and that it could allow for more creativity and innovation in the design of the bikes.

## Upcoming Tests Ducati is currently focusing on the current season, but they are also looking ahead to the new rules and the opportunities they will bring. The next private test for 850cc prototypes with race riders will be held at the Red Bull Ring in September, where manufacturers will be able to try out their new designs and see how they perform on the track. The test will be an important step in the development of the new bikes, and will give manufacturers a chance to see how their designs compare to those of their competitors.

## Comparison of New Rules The new rules will bring some significant changes to the MotoGP bikes, including: | Category | Current | 2027 | | --- | --- | --- | | Engine Capacity | 1000cc | 850cc | | Ride-Height Devices | Allowed | Banned | | Tyres | Michelin | Pirelli | | Aerodynamics | Less restricted | Tighter limits |