Ducati Tipped for Early Edge in New-Look MotoGP 2027

Ducati is being tipped to enjoy a significant early advantage over its MotoGP rivals at the start of the championship's next regulations era in 2027. The prediction follows a dominant display at the Mugello test with the new 850cc machines.

MotoGP will switch from 1,000cc to 850cc engines, with Pirelli tyres replacing Michelin, while stricter aero rules and a ban on ride-height devices will also come into force.

Pol Espargaro, KTM test rider and DAZN analyst, has already racked up considerable mileage on the next-generation bikes. He tested at Mugello just before being called up to replace Maverick Vinales at Silverstone. That test was convincingly led by Ducati and its test rider and WorldSBK points leader, Nicolo Bulega.

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Espargaro believes Ducati will be fast from day one because of the vast data it has gathered from its World Superbike programme, which also runs on Pirelli tyres. "It's easy to think Ducati is going to be insane," he said. "They will be fast from the first day because they have all the information from Superbike."

"At the end, the 850cc bike is a kind of superbike. They will have an advantage, especially in understanding the tyres and how to manage them over race distance or one lap. They have a lot of information that other manufacturers don't."

Of Ducati's MotoGP rivals, only Honda and Yamaha also compete in WorldSBK. But their performances have been vastly inferior. Ducati has won all 24 races this season, Yamaha has not troubled the podium, and Honda's best finish is 10th.

Espargaro also highlighted the huge challenge facing current MotoGP riders adapting to the less powerful 850cc bikes. He admitted to feeling "like a rookie" when returning to the current KTM RC16, and believes Moto2 graduates will have a "big advantage" next year.

"You cannot believe how much the category will change next year and how many riders are going to struggle," said Espargaro. "I feel more ready to ride a Moto2 than a MotoGP. The change is insane, and it will be a big challenge for the current MotoGP riders."