Paolo Bonora says MotoGP using hybrid engines like Formula 1 is ‘out of the question’

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MotoGP will not follow Formula 1’s lead and switch to hybrid engines, according to Paolo Bonora.

For the 2026 Formula 1 season, the power units have been altered and have become hybrid engines with 50% internal combustion engine and 50% battery.

The decision by Formula 1 to switch to hybrid engines was made to align with global trends toward sustainability, and to increase energy efficiency.

But the idea of MotoGP following in Formula 1’s footsteps has been downplayed by a prominent member of the Aprilia Racing Team.

Paolo Bonora reveals there’s a lot of ‘F1 influence’ in MotoGP

With Formula 1 moving forward with hybrid engines in the cars, there has been speculation that it will be the route that all motorsport follows in the near future.

However, the Aprilia Racing Team Manager, Paolo Bonora, shut down any speculation in an interview with Quotidiano, but he did admit that his own brand has looked towards Formula 1 for inspiration in new technology.”

Bonora said, “No, there’s absolutely no room for that; on a racing motorbike, every gram and its position counts – a hybrid MotoGP bike is out of the question.”

He also added, “There’s a lot of F1 influence in our motorbikes today, particularly in the Aprilias, as we were the first to use methods and procedures derived directly from that sector.

“Massimo [Rivola] has focused heavily on this, primarily on aerodynamics, seeking ground effect when the bike is leaned over, and then on utilising Elena De Cia’s mathematical analyses and simultaneous communication between all members of the pit crew via headset microphones.”

The new 2027 MotoGP regulations that have been confirmed

Despite the dismissal that MotoGP will look to go down the route of hybrid engines, there has been a new set of regulations confirmed for the 2027 season.

For the last 15 seasons, MotoGP has used 1000cc engines, after switching from the 800cc engines at the end of the 2011 season. However, for 2027 the engine capacity will decrease once again as it is set to drop to 850cc.

As well as the change in engine capacity for the 2027 season, there will also be changes to the rules regarding aerodynamics and the ride-height and holeshot devices will be banned.

The MotoGP manufacturers are hard at work during the 2026 season, preparing for the new regulations in 2027, with a limited number of rider announcements taking place.