2027 SUSTAINABLE FUEL COSTS COULD STRAIN MOTOGP SATELLITE TEAMS

MotoGP’s switch to sustainable fuel for its new 850cc bikes in 2027 could bring a steep bill for teams, with independent outfits facing the greatest pressure. The change is part of a wider package of technical rules and is intended to reduce the championship’s carbon footprint, but the reported price of the fuel has raised concerns about affordability.

Fuel currently costs teams around €10–15 per litre. For 2027, the price could rise to €86 per litre, according to figures reported by Motorpasión Moto. Teams estimate that fuelling one rider’s bike for a season would cost about €339,000, or €678,000 for a two-rider garage. Those estimates do not include testing.

Manufacturers may be able to absorb the extra expense: Honda is reported to spend €80 million annually in MotoGP, while Aprilia’s budget is put at €20 million. For satellite teams, however, the added cost could be far more difficult to manage. A worst-case outcome would see some teams restrict mileage to control spending, potentially affecting their ability to compete.

One proposed solution would have Liberty Media cover the cost and supply the same fuel to every team, following an arrangement used with Petronas in Moto2 and Moto3. That approach has not won over manufacturers that already have agreements with major oil and energy companies. Factory teams also have a practical reason to seek a workable deal: many provide riders to satellite squads, and need those teams to operate without fuel-related restrictions.

MotoGP teams have previously sought an F1-style cost cap, and championship chief Carmelo Ezpeleta has confirmed that the idea is a genuine possibility. No agreement has been reached on either the fuel-cost issue or a cap. With testing due to begin in about four months, the parties still have time to find a compromise before the new rules take effect.