MotoGP's Potential Ban on Aprilia's Leg Wings: A Safety Concern?
The MotoGP world is abuzz with the potential ban on Aprilia's innovative 'leg wings' due to safety concerns. These wings, introduced at the British Grand Prix, have sparked debate and raised questions about their impact on the sport.
Aprilia's RS-GP, with Marco Bezzecchi at the helm, claimed victory at the British Grand Prix, and soon after, Honda followed suit with similar wings on its RC213V. The leg wings are designed to harness the air flowing down the rider's back when braking, increasing rear load and grip. Aprilia attributes its recent success to this aerodynamic innovation, which has contributed to its improved performance in 2025.
However, the timing of the proposed ban has raised eyebrows. Some are surprised that it's being considered now, after Aprilia's impressive wins, rather than when the wings were first introduced. The FIM, with the approval of Dorna, Race Direction, and the IRTA, has submitted the proposal to the MSMA, citing safety concerns related to the wings' proximity to the rider's legs.
The MSMA is set to vote on the proposal, and while a unanimous vote is usually required for technical regulation changes, this amendment is exempt due to safety concerns. Aprilia, of course, won't vote for the ban. Interestingly, a compromise might be on the table, delaying the ban until 2027, when MotoGP undergoes a significant technical overhaul, including reduced downforce.
This isn't the first time MotoGP has faced safety concerns over technical developments. Engineers have previously deemed other innovations, like holeshot devices, unsafe, yet they remained legal. The question remains: will the leg wings face a similar fate, or will they be banned, potentially reshaping the future of MotoGP?
