MotoGP Announces Engine Freeze For 2026
MotoGP has confirmed cost cutting and keeping “a level playing field” as the reasons for the 2026 engine freeze
MotoGP will introduce an engine freeze for 2026 for all manufacturers except those ranked in category D, as part of an effort to make the sport more competitive when the new rules come into force in 2027.
There are four categories for concessions in MotoGP which allows you to make in-season developments.
If you are in category A (like Ducati is) you will have less testing time and a freeze on engine development after 2025. However, if you are in category D (Honda and Yamaha currently) you have more testing opportunities and would be allowed to develop a 2026 engine.
MotoGP engines will drop from the current 1000cc to 850cc machines along with various other new regulations being brought into effect, such as a ban on ride-height and holeshot devices, the introduction of 100 per cent sustainable fuel and tighter policing of aerodynamics.
As part of the aerodynamic changes, the front fairing will be narrowed by 50mm and pushed back by 50mm.
But it's the engine regulations that have been the biggest talking point as MotoGP confirmed last month its intention to slap a freeze on engine development prior to 2027.
That request has now been accepted, meaning manufacturers can develop engines next season but that will then stop and they will need to use 2025 engines again in 2026.
A statement from MotoGP said: “Engine specification in MotoGP will be frozen for 2026, meaning factories must also use their 2025 engine designs the following season. The Grand Prix Commission approved the proposal in order to control costs and keep a level playing field as much as possible before MotoGP changes to new bikes in 2027.
“Those new bikes will make MotoGP safer, more sustainable and even more spectacular, and include completely new engine specifications. A freeze on development the season before keeps costs controlled for all, allowing factories to focus on their new designs for 2027.
“The sole exceptions to the freeze will be for safety or reliability, and for any manufacturers in concession Rank D. Corrections for safety or reliability, or proven non-availability of components, may be allowed for any manufacturer providing no performance increase will be gained.
“For factories in concession Rank D, the engine specification freeze will not apply unless they change rank. The spec for them will remain free as it is now, allowing those with a greater performance deficit to the top to continue working on key areas of their machinery.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
