MotoGP's Engine Freeze: A Strategic Shift for 2026

MotoGP is freezing engine specifications for 2026 as manufacturers will use their 2025 engines again before a switch to 850cc in 2027. This move aims to control costs and maintain fairness in the competition. Exceptions for safety, reliability, and component availability might be allowed, without performance increases.

The Grand Prix Commission has announced that motorcycle manufacturers must use their 2025 engines for an additional year in the 2026 MotoGP season. This decision comes ahead of a planned reduction in engine capacity to 850cc in 2027.

The engine specification freeze aims to control costs and ensure a level playing field, as confirmed in a statement by the Commission. Exceptions to this rule will only be admitted in cases concerning safety or reliability, and must not result in performance enhancements.

This strategic move by MotoGP, initially announced in May, is intended to make the sport safer, more sustainable, and to limit the maximum number of engines permitted per rider.

(With inputs from agencies.)