At the Thai round of the MotoGP championship, many teams tested new aerodynamic parts called “leg wings”. These small winglets are placed near the rider’s legs and are designed to create extra downforce on the motorcycle.

The idea behind the wings is to improve stability, especially when the rider is braking very hard. Extra downforce can help keep the bike more stable and reduce unwanted movement. Because of this, several manufacturers have started using similar designs on their MotoGP machines.

However, one rider from the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team decided not to use these parts during the race weekend. Italian rider Enea Bastianini explained that the leg wings did not feel right for him on the bike.

Bastianini said that the wings changed the behaviour of the motorcycle in a way he did not like. In particular, he felt that the bike reacted differently during braking. The extra aerodynamic effect reduced the natural movement of the motorcycle, which made it harder for him to understand what the rear tyre was doing.

For a MotoGP rider, feeling the grip of the tyres is extremely important. If the rider cannot clearly feel how the bike is behaving, it becomes much more difficult to ride at the limit. Because of this, Bastianini preferred to remove the wings and ride with a more familiar setup.

The race took place at the Chang International Circuit during the Thai MotoGP. According to Bastianini, this particular track also influenced his decision. Different circuits require different bike setups, and some aerodynamic parts work better at certain tracks than others.

While Bastianini chose not to use the wings, other riders on KTM machines continued to test them during the weekend. This is quite normal in MotoGP, as teams often allow each rider to choose the setup that suits their riding style best.

The development of new aerodynamic parts has become an important area in modern MotoGP. Over the past few years, manufacturers have introduced many different wing designs to improve performance. These innovations can help with acceleration, braking stability, and overall control of the bike.

Leg wings first appeared on some bikes as teams searched for new ways to gain a small advantage. Even a tiny improvement can make a big difference in a sport where riders compete at extremely high speeds.

However, not everyone in the paddock fully supports these parts. Some people believe that certain aerodynamic devices could become dangerous in crashes, especially if they come into contact with other riders. Because of this, discussions about possible future rule changes have already started.

Despite the debate, development continues as teams try to find the best balance between speed, safety, and rider confidence. Bastianini’s choice at the Thai race shows that even with advanced technology available, the rider’s personal feeling on the bike still plays a very important role.