The great progress in lap times is also due to the aerodynamics arms race – Pit Beirer warns not to go too far
Aerodynamics has become a major focus for all MotoGP manufacturers. At the winter test in Malaysia, the factory riders were shown a wide variety of fairing variants and wing elements behind the seat, for example. The aim was to evaluate the theory from the wind tunnel and CFD simulations on the track in real driving conditions
“With some fairings, the bike is faster on the straights, with others the bike feels more agile,” says Brad Binder, describing the noticeable effects for the rider. “With another variant, the rear wheel has more contact with the ground and you have more grip.”
“You try to find out which aspects you like and how you can get faster. You can lose agility if you prefer the grip. Or you need the agility. We tried a lot of different fairings and combinations.”
“We have gathered a lot of information for the engineers. They now understand better what happens when you change something. It’s about putting this knowledge together into a great package.”
The progress in the area of aerodynamics is significant, as the lap time comparison between the Sepang race weekend last fall and the winter test has shown. The bikes have become significantly faster.
“Aerodynamics play a role in performance in every area,” says KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer. “That’s why the progress in lap times has become crazier in the past two years than it used to be. Aerodynamics are now a big factor.”
“It’s getting wild out there when you look at what everyone has brought to Sepang. We’ve got to where Formula 1 was a few years ago. Every detail is being scrutinized as to how to improve the aerodynamics. “
Beirer finds the topic “exciting”, but also warns: “I think we should be careful on the part of the promoter and the FIM that we don’t go too far. I think we should impose restrictions soon.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t wait until 2027 to limit these things. Wings and so on will not be banned. Modern motorcycles will continue to look like this in the future. But the area in which you are allowed to do something will be more restricted.”
“That’s a good direction,” says Beirer. “The more restrictions there are, the more the rider regains control and not the wind machine.” There will be new technical regulations by 2027 at the latest. The motorcycles are to become slower overall.
Even if the aerodynamics are restricted, they will remain. The current MotoGP motorcycles look completely different than they did just a few years ago. And also significantly different from superbikes, where aerodynamics are not yet as pronounced.
“If you get to ride a MotoGP bike, then you have the greatest job in the world,” says Jack Miller, who is not bothered by the development: “It doesn’t matter whether there are aerodynamics or ride height systems. The shape of the bike or the look doesn’t matter. It’s a lot of fun.”
“Having the privilege of being one of these 22 most talented athletes in the world has been an incredible journey for me for ten years. Every time I get my butt on a bike like this and you turn off the speed limiter at the end of the pit lane, it’s the most incredible feeling. Nothing compares to riding a bike like this.”
