Marco Bezzecchi
Liberty Media are now exploring the idea of limiting riders to just one bike in 2027, and MotoGP fans seem completely against it.
MotoGP’s new owners have been looking to replicate their success with Formula 1 and grow the sport’s popularity. As part of their plans, Liberty Media have made several changes, including introducing street circuits and not differentiating the satellite teams from the five factories.
Liberty even want riders to have ‘running show bikes’ during race weekends, hoping to capitalise on the potential global reach and revenue that MotoGP could produce. However, they are also looking to bring costs down, hence their latest proposal.
Are you concerned that Liberty Media may try to remove MotoGP’s style?
As per a report from Motorsport.com, Liberty are seriously considering limiting riders to only one bike instead of two from 2027. It would follow a similar plan in place with WSBK, in that a second bike is kept in the back of the garage or in the team’s truck in case the main bike is severely damaged.
With just one bike, it would certainly put an end to flag-to-flag races, and could see pit stops come to MotoGP in the event of rain. Of course, Liberty’s proposal needs approval, but fans do not want it to go through.
READ MORE: 2027 MotoGP regulations explained, from 850cc engines to aero restrictions
MotoGP fans slam ‘ridiculous’ Liberty Media plans to limit riders to one bike in 2027
Liberty’s latest idea comes as part of the negotiations between the manufacturers for the next Concorde Agreement, which will be effective from 2027 to 2031.
Things have not been going well, with Yamaha, Aprilia and KTM boycotting a meeting between the factories and MotoGP’s governing body at Jerez. It has also delayed rider announcements for the 2027 season, with most deals already signed.
The plan to limit riders to one bike next year has not been well-received on social media, with many fans scolding the idea on Reddit.
“We’re lucky if a rider can complete two races in a row at the moment why restrict teams even more?” questioned one user.
Is this a step in the wrong direction from Liberty?
“Can’t use the spare bikes because they’ve got to be displayed in the nearest town? Got to have a stand in rider ready to go, but the bike they’re supposed to ride is destroyed… Ridiculous,” stated another.
“MotoGP decision-making has been shocking recently,” said one disgruntled fan.
“This seems stupid… What to do when it rains? And also like… MotoGP bikes seem to get wrecked like a lot,” wrote another. Someone else agreed: “No thanks. Most stupidest thing I have heard recently.”
Another fan did not like the similarities to F1. The sport banned spare cars back in 2008, and MotoGP could now be set to head in the same direction.
They commented: “This isn’t F1; I hope they don’t do that because that rule wouldn’t make any sense. It would ruin the weekend for many riders and teams, who might not even be able to race if the other bike were to be damaged too badly.”
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