MotoGP's aerodynamic development race is entering a new phase, with Aprilia and Ducati exploring innovative designs around the swingarm in their pursuit of improved performance.
While the championship is preparing for stricter aerodynamic regulations in 2027, manufacturers continue to search for areas where they can gain an advantage. One of the latest developments involves small aerodynamic fins mounted around the swingarm, designed to improve airflow around the rear wheel.
Aprilia was among the first manufacturers to introduce the concept, debuting vertical fins on its RS-GP motorcycles at Silverstone following the summer break. The design aimed to manage turbulent airflow around the rear wheel, an area that presents significant challenges for aerodynamic engineers.
The concept soon attracted attention from rival manufacturers. At Phillip Island, Ducati introduced a similar design on Marc Marquez's Desmosedici GP, featuring fins mounted on the swingarm in a configuration closely resembling Aprilia's original solution.
Source: Motorsport
Ducati's adoption of the concept highlighted the growing interest in this area of aerodynamic development. Marquez subsequently used the updated component during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, where he topped practice sessions at Sepang.
Aprilia, however, was already working on its next development. At Sepang, Marco Bezzecchi's RS-GP featured an updated swingarm fin design, with a more pronounced L-shaped structure extending upwards and sweeping towards the rear of the motorcycle.
The revised configuration represents a further attempt to control airflow around the rear wheel, showing how manufacturers are continuing to refine aerodynamic solutions even after similar concepts appear on rival machines.
The development also offers a glimpse into how MotoGP teams are approaching the upcoming 2027 regulations. While the new rules will introduce restrictions on aerodynamic dimensions and require homologation of certain bodywork components, the swingarm area remains a potential avenue for further innovation.
Manufacturers are therefore continuing to explore designs that could deliver aerodynamic benefits while remaining within the regulations.
With Aprilia and Ducati already developing competing swingarm solutions, the area could become an increasingly important focus of MotoGP's technical battle in the coming seasons.
