Winglets positioned behind the rider’s legs—initially introduced by Aprilia on the RS-GP and later adopted by Honda—may face a ban in MotoGP as soon as next season. Motorsport magazine reports that a surprising proposal has been made to the Grand Prix committee aiming to prohibit these so-called leg wings on the grounds of safety.
Although no injuries have been linked to these wings so far, the rule change could pass without unanimous agreement from the five manufacturers if it’s justified by safety concerns. The proposal introduces a new bodywork exclusion zone starting 800mm ahead of the rear tire and extending beyond the current tapered area, which is 300mm wide and limited to 450mm (or 500mm from the tire).
This could result in an immediate ban on mid-engine winglets. However, since the Valencia test—which marks the beginning of the 2026 season—has already taken place, and significant aerodynamic rule changes are slated for 2027, the ban on leg wings might instead take effect in the upcoming 850cc era.
Fan Take: This potential ban is significant for racing enthusiasts because it represents a major shift in bike aerodynamics that could affect performance and strategy. It also highlights the sport’s ongoing commitment to rider safety while balancing innovation in technology.
