- Seat winglets could be banned as early as 2026
- Marc Marquez receives the FIM Sporting Trophy for the first time
- Johann Zarco plans to end his career after 2027
- Unusual theft in the MotoGP paddock
MotoGP is currently undergoing a period of intense discussion. Technical regulations, safety issues, and political disputes are shaping the run-up to the major changes coming in 2027. At the same time, the personal stories of Marquez and Zarco are in the spotlight, while a spectacular theft in the paddock is causing a stir.
Discussion about seat winglets: Will they be banned as early as 2026?
Aerodynamics has been a source of tension in the premier class for years. Winglets and ride height devices are particularly controversial topics. From 2027, ride height devices are to be completely banned, while the size of winglets is to be significantly restricted. However, a partial ban could come into effect a year earlier.
Specifically, this concerns the so-called seat winglets, which have been used on some motorcycles since last season. They were first seen on the Aprilia at Silverstone, and shortly afterwards on the Honda. The structures protrude downwards on both sides under the seat and, according to the FIM, pose a safety risk.
The trigger for the current debate is a crash at the Barcelona Sprint. There, a rider got caught in one of these winglets and was pinned under the motorcycle. According to the regulations, the winglets should actually break under load, but this was not the case in this instance. This reinforced doubts about safety.
The FIM wants to clearly define the previously unregulated upper area of the motorcycle—the tank, seat, and hump—in the future. Aerodynamic width limits are planned, which run trapezoidally from front to rear when viewed from a bird’s eye perspective. Exceptions such as footrests and exhaust systems will remain, but wings will be prohibited.
The proposal has been submitted to the MSMA, the manufacturers’ association in which Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda, and Yamaha vote on technical changes. Since Aprilia and Honda have already integrated these winglets into their aero concepts, unanimous approval is considered unlikely. A change would mean considerable development work and costs for both manufacturers. However, it is conceivable that the FIM and promoter Dorna could override the issue for safety reasons. This would be unusual, but possible. Even if the ban fails in 2026, it is likely to take effect with the new aero regulations in 2027 at the latest.
Marc Marquez: World Championship title, comeback, and new FIM Award
Marc Marquez experienced another career highlight at the FIM Gala in Lausanne. After a dominant 2026 season, in which he secured his ninth world championship title with five races to spare, he not only received the world champion’s gold medal, but also the newly created FIM Sporting Trophy for the first time.
The award recognizes riders who, according to the FIM, demonstrate “excellence through resilience, courage, and tenacity.” Marquez’s name is thus representative of a remarkable comeback after years of shoulder and eye injuries.
During the event, he told James Toseland:
“It has been a long time, five years, but I am super happy to be back at the FIM Awards. It means the season has been super good, and it is also very nice to meet mates from other disciplines.”
It was also the first time that his name was immortalized on the world championship trophy as a Ducati rider.
Johann Zarco looks ahead to the end of his career: Retirement likely after 2027
Johann Zarco is also attracting attention with clear statements about his future. Currently the oldest rider in the field, he will be 37 years old when his current contract expires and has hinted that this agreement could be his last. However, his statement “In my mind, yes… At the moment!” leaves a small door open.
The fact that his decision carries weight right now is due to the fundamental rule change coming in 2027. Smaller engines, stricter aerodynamic specifications, the ban on all ride height devices, and the use of 100 percent sustainable fuel will significantly change the class. Since moving to LCR Honda, Zarco himself has played an important role in the manufacturer’s development process and celebrated a prestigious home victory at Le Mans in 2024, the first by a Frenchman in 71 years.
Bizarre theft in the paddock: perpetrator arrested wearing KTM outfit
An incident at the last race of the season caused quite a stir. A 44-year-old man apparently gained access to the strictly secured paddock disguised as a KTM mechanic. There, he broke into the motorhome of Jorge Martin, the 2024 season champion, and stole a custom-made Pinarello training bike worth between €15,000 and €20,000.
The thief pushed the bike unhindered through the paddock and left the premises, still wearing the KTM outfit. The police were able to identify him a short time later at a gas station and track him to his apartment in Madrid, where he was arrested. According to reports, the man already had a criminal record for other offenses. The training bike will be returned to Martin so that he can resume his winter training program.
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