Max Bartolini, a prominent figure in the MotoGP world, has speculated on the impact of reducing the engine capacity of MotoGP bikes from 1000cc to 850cc.
According to Bartolini, this reduction in engine size would lead to a noticeable decrease in top speeds and overall performance, but the exact figures would depend on various factors including advancements in technology and engineering.
Bartolini predicts that the shift to 850cc engines would likely result in a reduction of top speeds by approximately 15-20%. Currently, MotoGP bikes can reach top speeds around 350 km/h (217 mph). A 15-20% decrease would bring this down to approximately 280-300 km/h (174-186 mph). This drop in speed would not only affect the straight-line performance but also the dynamics of how these bikes handle corners and acceleration out of turns.
The reduction in engine size would also impact acceleration. With less power available, the bikes would be slower in reaching their top speeds. This could potentially make races more strategic, with greater emphasis on rider skill and bike handling rather than outright power. Bartolini also suggests that this change could lead to a more level playing field, as differences in engine power would be minimized, highlighting the talents of riders and the ingenuity of engineers.
Additionally, the change to 850cc engines could have implications for the overall design and aerodynamics of the bikes. With less power, engineers would need to focus more on optimizing the aerodynamics and weight distribution to maintain competitiveness. This could lead to innovations in bike design and materials used.
Bartolini also points out that this transition could have environmental benefits, as smaller engines generally consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. This aligns with the global push towards more sustainable and eco-friendly motorsports.
In summary, Max Bartolini predicts that reducing MotoGP engine capacity to 850cc would result in a significant decrease in top speeds and acceleration, potentially leading to more strategic and competitive racing. The shift would necessitate advancements in bike design and could also contribute to environmental sustainability.
