Marc Marquez has cast doubt over claims that the new 850cc MotoGP engines will reduce top speed ahead of the 2027 regulations cycle.
MotoGP is set to undergo its most radical change in 2027, with the engine size reduced in a bid to increase the safety and control performance.
Speaking about the upcoming cycle, Marquez revealed that he agrees with the new rules as at some circuits the riders were reaching “an unnecessary speed” of over 220 mph.
“When there are new technical rules, they’re decided by the championship together with the MSMA [manufacturers’ association],” Marquez told sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0.
“They decided to reduce the engine displacement, which I agree with, especially because in many circuits we were getting close to 360km/h.
“I think that’s an unnecessary speed for the show, and it increases the risk a lot.”
The nine-time World Champion also revealed “there was another issue” MotoGP has been forced to address due to safety concerns from the riders.
“The run-off areas at many circuits were starting to become too small because riders were arriving faster to that point,” he added.
“We need big run-off areas, because if something goes wrong, the wall starts to look closer.”
However, the Spaniard has suggested that the 2027 bikes will not achieve its aims of reducing top speed.
Despite the reduction of the engine size from 1000cc to 850cc, Marquez believes lap times will be “very similar or even faster” than in the current specifications.
“What they’ve done is adapt the bikes to try to reduce that top speed,” Marquez said.
“But I think lap times at many circuits will be very similar, or even faster, because you have lower weight and horsepower, but better handling.
“We’ll see how it goes.”
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