Francesco Bagnaia spoke out strongly against MotoGP’s proposal to use one bike in practice and two bikes for Sprint and Grand Prix races.
MotoGP are reportedly entering a new era in 2027 with cost-cutting measures that include using just one bike during practice and reducing overall track time across race weekends.
The proposed changes, already backed by manufacturers and awaiting formal approval, aim to lower costs, although some fear they could limit bike development and reshape racing strategies across the weekend.
Two-time MotoGP champion Bagnaia gave a frank assessment of the proposal, arguing that fewer bikes and personnel would leave riders unable to push freely and increase the risks following a crash.
“Honestly, I don’t agree with any of the new proposals. Starting with two bikes that are small is strange,” admitted Bagnaia to the media, including Motorsport Week at Brno.
“But then with just one bike, it’s strange because if you’re fresh in the qualifying, then you need to use the spare bike for races without even doing a lap.
“[There are] less people in the garage, so I don’t understand, but it is what it is. It’s strange. You can’t push like you want.
“If you have just one bike, you know that you need to do the qualifying in the Sprint race after two or three hours. And if you have a big crash, you don’t have a bike.
“You don’t do any laps with it. So it’s a bit strange as the way they are approaching MotoGP right now, because we are doing a big step back.”
That said, the Torinese rider said he supports the ban on ride-height devices at race starts, which will commence at Silverstone in August.
“The only thing starting without the device is good,” he added.
“I think the devices from Ducati are a masterpiece. But if you look at the other bikes, sometimes they need to do different things to disengage the front devices on breaking in the first corner.
“So I think for safety it’s good to remove it all.”
Ride-height devices will be banned from 2027 under MotoGP’s new regulations, which include a reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc.
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