Marc Marquez has renewed his criticism of modern MotoGP machinery, claiming the sport's latest generation of bikes has forced riders into a more controlled and “robot-style” approach because of the heavy influence of aerodynamics.
The Ducati rider, a seven-time premier-class world champion, said he enjoyed riding the MotoGP bikes from 2014 to 2016 more, when aerodynamic development played a much smaller role. According to Marquez, riders during that era had more freedom to push beyond the bike's limits and use their own skills to find performance.
"Now, you need to follow what the aerodynamics want and you cannot override the bike," Marquez said in an interview with Bike World. He explained that attempting to ride against the aerodynamic characteristics of the current machines often results in slower lap times.
Source: Cycle News
Modern MotoGP bikes have undergone major development over the past decade, particularly in areas such as aerodynamic packages and ride-height devices. While these technologies have improved performance and increased cornering speeds, Marquez believes they have also reduced the opportunities for riders to make a difference through instinct and improvisation.
The Spaniard also pointed to the reduction in spectacular saves that were once common in MotoGP. He believes the increased downforce generated by current bikes makes front-end mistakes harder to recover from, as the tyres are placed under greater stress when riders lose control.
MotoGP is set to introduce new technical regulations in 2027, including smaller 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics and a ban on ride-height devices. However, Marquez has previously suggested he would prefer even greater restrictions on aerodynamic development to bring more rider input back into the sport.
Despite his concerns, Marquez acknowledged that modern bikes remain impressive machines. His criticism is less about performance and more about the changing relationship between rider and motorcycle, as MotoGP continues to balance technological progress with the importance of rider skill.
