Albesiano expects aero to grow in importance under 2027 MotoGP rules

Honda technical director Romano Albesiano believes aerodynamics will play an even more important role in MotoGP under the 2027 regulations, despite rulemakers aiming to curb its influence. The new rules restrict the use and dimensions of winglets in an attempt to reverse a trend that Ducati pioneered in the mid-2010s and which has been blamed for making close racing harder.

Albesiano expects the restrictions to reduce the use of prominent aero parts such as front winglets, but says engineers will keep finding ways to generate downforce. He said the air pressure around every part of the bike is being studied, not just the wings. Under the 2027 regulations, the maximum width of the front fairing falls from 600mm to 550mm and its height from 1250mm to 550mm, with the front point moved back by 50mm.

Albesiano said nearly every visible part of the motorcycle must now be designed with both mechanical and aerodynamic factors in mind, citing the swingarm and exhaust as examples.