Pirelli has officially outlined when it plans to test its new MotoGP tyres with 2027-spec machinery in the 2026 season.
The Italian tyre manufacturer will become the new tyre supplier to the premier class ahead of the 2027 regulation cycle.
Pirelli’s influence on two-wheeled racing becomes even more prominent as it already supplies Moto3 and Moto2, as well as WorldSBK, although the latter will switch to Michelin in 2027.
When asked about its 2026 plans, Pirelli’s director Giorgio Barbier told Autosport: “We’ll definitely do a test at some point next season, I’d say around the middle of the calendar.”
In preparation for 2027, Pirelli conducted its first test at Misano in September, though it was limited to test riders from each manufacturer. To gather appropriate data, teams’ ride-height devices were reportedly deactivated, and aerodynamic configurations were modified to replicate 2027-spec machinery more closely.
KTM test rider Pol Espargaro became the first rider to test an 850cc engine on Pirelli tyres earlier in December, demonstrating manufacturers’ intent from the very start.
Pirelli did not reveal any specific 2026 dates, but Autosport reported that the tests are expected to take place in June and September, with Brno and Misano among the potential venues due to both circuits’ positions on the calendar.
“We’ve asked to do it with the updated bikes; that is, the 850cc ones,” Barbier shared.
“All the manufacturers will already be starting to work on that project, and for us it’s very important to have access to those prototypes, and to the riders who will be racing in 2027.”
Although the 2027 season is still over a year away, Barbier cited the rider transfer market as the primary obstacle ahead. The vast majority of the grid’s contracts expire at the end of 2026, including those of factory Ducati riders, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo, Aprilia’s Jorge Martin, and KTM’s Pedro Acosta — all of whom have been linked with potential moves.
“That’s the main problem because there will probably be a lot of rider changes in all the teams next year,” said Barbier.
“Normally, each manufacturer will be able to provide us with their 2027 bike, but they might not yet know what their rider line-up will be for that year.”
The only riders confirmed for the 2027 season are few. LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco and 2025 Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira have signed contracts through 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Pramac Yamaha’s newest addition, three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, has a contract through 2027, while Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer is the fourth and final rider secured with a Ducati contract into the new regulation period.
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