Yamaha chief highlights one specific change in MotoGP’s new 2027 regulations that ‘worries’ him ‘a lot’

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The 2027 MotoGP regulations are set to shake up the pecking order as Dorna introduce a swathe of changes to the prototypes we see racing on-track.

The new regulations are focused on increasing safety in the sport as well as sustainability by reducing engine sizes to 850cc and utilising 100% sustainable fuels. The aerodynamics on each bike will also change, with stricter rules hopefully encouraging more overtaking during races.

Not everyone is convinced by the new regulations, however. Casey Stoner has voiced his doubts over the new regulations, highlighting that the amount of controls that are at the disposal of riders now takes away the element of individual rider skill.

The sentiment is echoed by a lot of the teams in the MotoGP paddock. ‘No one’ is convinced by Dorna’s pledge to make the sport safer after questions over rider safety were raised at the German Grand Prix, after multiple riders were involved in heavy crashes.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Yamaha from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

Yamaha chief Massimo Bartolini is worried about Pirelli replacing Michelin as MotoGP’s tyre supplier

The tyre supplier of all teams in the MotoGP paddock will also change upon the enforcement of the new regulations. After being the sole supplier of the premier class since 2016, Michelin will be replaced by Pirelli in another sizeable change in 2027.

Speaking to Motosan regarding Yamaha’s feelings towards the new ruleset, technical director Massimo Bartolini was asked about his current feelings towards the change.

“It worries me a lot,” the Italian engineer replied. “The change is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity to try to close the gap with those in front.

“The fact that everyone has to redo their engine also forces those with a good engine to get back into the game.

“Pirelli has guaranteed that the tyres will not be like those used in SuperBike, but until we test them, it’s difficult to understand if the SuperBike data is significant.”

The Italian tyre manufacturer began supplying Moto2 and Moto3 in the 2024 season. They secured an initial three-year deal with Dorna, which has seen the two classes utilise Pirelli rubber since.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Pramac from the MotoGP team’s riders to bike

Yamaha is also in the midst of preparing their V4-powered bike for the 2026 MotoGP season

Following the poor results of the currently inline-powered M1 in recent seasons, Yamaha has been working to ready a V4-powered bike in time for the 2026 MotoGP season.

Despite working on it for a number of months now, it’s clear that Yamaha’s V4 isn’t quite ready to be let loose at a race weekend just yet.

Continuing in his interview with Motosan, Bartolini provided an update on where they feel the engine is at the moment, stating that there is still something missing, “The engine could already be stronger, but what we are looking for is reliability.

“What Augusto [Fernandez, Yamaha test rider] feels we are missing is power, precisely maximum power . In reality, all the acceleration part is always done with the power managed by the electronics, you never go at full power.”