HONDA CREW CHIEF CALLS 2027 MOTOGP RULES A WASTE OF MONEY

Honda crew chief Cristhian Pupulin has sharply criticised MotoGP’s 2027 technical overhaul, calling it “a massive, pointless waste of money.” The changes will reshape the premier-class bikes, most notably by reducing engine capacity from 1,000cc to 850cc and scaling back aerodynamic devices. Ride-height devices will also be banned.

Speaking to Moto.it before the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, Pupulin questioned the expense of developing machinery intended to make the bikes slower. He said MotoGP was now discussing cost-cutting, despite having spent heavily on the new rules, and argued that simpler ways of reducing speed had been available, including cutting fuel supply. He also cautioned that the bikes might not lose as much speed as some expect.

The reduced aerodynamics are intended to help riders follow one another more closely by limiting the effects that make it difficult to race in another bike’s wake. Pupulin was unconvinced that this change alone would deliver that outcome. “Even if the aerodynamics are reduced a bit, and the downforce effect is reduced a little, I don’t know – I don’t see it as directly linked to that,” he said.

He was more supportive of removing ride-height devices, which have become widespread across the grid. With every team using them, Pupulin said, they had become an additional expense for everyone. “So fine, let’s get rid of them – I absolutely agree with that,” he said. He also suggested the tyres could benefit from the change, saying they “can only perform better as a result.”

Pupulin currently leads Luca Marini’s crew at Honda. Marini is due to join KTM’s factory team in 2027, while Pupulin is set to become Fabio Quartararo’s crew chief when the French rider arrives at Honda.