Aleix Espargaro has delivered his first verdict on MotoGP’s new 850cc bike as Honda ramps up development for the 2027 regulation changes.
The Spaniard is currently recovering from injuries sustained during a private Honda test, but has already spent time on track helping develop MotoGP’s new 850cc machine ahead of the 2027 rules overhaul.
The premier class will switch from 1000cc to 850cc engines in 2027, alongside a move from Michelin to Pirelli tyres, reduced aerodynamics, and the banning of holeshot and ride-height devices.
The three-time MotoGP race winner is leading Honda’s development work for the new regulations and has now shared his first impressions of the prototype bike.
“I’m not allowed really to talk about that [850cc] project, but the thing that I can tell you is that the bike is very fun,” shared Espargaro on MotoGP’s live feed at Catalunya.
“The riders will have a lot of fun. It’s a lot more fun than the 1000 bike.
“The Pirelli tyres are super grippy and with a little bit less torque on the bottom, you can rush a little bit in the apex.
“The bike is more than 10kg lighter, so the change of direction is super good.
“So the riders – and I think also the people at home – will have fun because I think there will be a lot more battles. I really can’t wait to show everybody the new bike.”
While the true benchmark will come from lap times, something difficult to judge given the secrecy surrounding manufacturers’ testing programmes, Espargaro believes the smaller engine capacity will not create a dramatic performance gap.
“I cannot say many numbers, but the only thing that I will tell you is that we compared both bikes, the 1000 bike and the 850, and they are closer than what people said.”
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