Five MotoGP test riders have lapped Misano for the first time on Pirelli tires, in preparation for the switch from Michelin to Pirelli as the official tire supplier to the MotoGP class in 2027. Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori, Ducati’s Michele Pirro, Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami, KTM’s Dani Pedrosa, en Yamaha’s Augusto Fernandez spent the day testing the new Pirelli rubber, including taking part in a sprint race simulation.
As the manufacturers have not yet started testing their 2027 machines – there is an agreement to not put the bikes on track until 2026 – the test was done with modified versions of the current bikes. Ride-height devices were deactivated, aerodynamics modified, and power reduced to simulate how the new 850cc bikes will be have. From 2027, ride-height devices will be banned, the width of aerodynamics will be reduced, and engine capacity will be reduced to 850cc, with a maximum bore of 75mm.
