2023 Engine Control Unit update: what's the latest?

A new unit will be introduced in 2023, so here’s everything you need to know

There’s a new ECU (Engine Control Unit) in MotoGP™ for 2023 as the sport prepares for our new era of more sustainable fuels, which begins in 2024. What does that mean now though, and how is it going to affect the teams on the premier class grid? Let’s take a look!

What is an ECU?

An ECU is essentially a MotoGP™ bike’s brain. The ECU collects data from various sensors on the motorcycle, compiles that data via unified software, and then drives the engine control actuators to make the engine work properly, and control it by means of strategies like traction control and anti-wheelie. In MotoGP™, it's designed by Marelli and is a unified piece of hardware used by every bike and team.

Why is it unified across the grid?

The ECU was previously a huge point of investment for factories competing in MotoGP™. Now, with everyone receiving the same unit, it ensures costs don’t spiral and helps to maintain close competition across the grid as everyone has the same equipment.

How often does it get updated?

The regular life cycle of an ECU is around three to five years. After that, a new model is normally introduced as the suppliers of the components replace them within that timeframe. However, with the help of Marelli, the previous life span of the ECU used in MotoGP™ was an exceptional 10 years as the sport made sure to stock up on necessary components. That’s because, in addition to increasing efficiency and controlling costs in terms of the unit itself, factories also need to make changes to the wiring harness and electrical systems of their bikes to fit a new ECU.

So what’s the situation for 2023?

The new bikes on the grid will use the new ECU, and factories have requested that the older ECU continues to be used on the previous years’ models. This is in order to control costs, for the factories and for the Independent Teams who would be required to foot the bill as part of their rental agreements. This has been agreed as the sport continues to push for maximum efficiency and sustainability – and, as ever, works to ensure Independent Teams can continue to thrive on the grid.

But won’t that create a performance disparity?

In short, no! That’s because there will be no technical and performance advantages to the new ECU in 2023. There are a host of updates ready the field for the start of the new era of sustainable fuels, as well as increasing safety measures getting trialled, but there will be no increase in outright performance during 2023.

With the data gathered from the first year of the factories running the new ECU, the groundwork will be laid and the unit will then be expected to deliver a better performance next season – when everyone will have it as the new era of sustainable fuels gets in gear!