MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Michele Pirro and Ducati conducted a crucial test at Misano with the 850cc Desmosedici GP27 prototype, marking an early step toward the 2027 MotoGP regulations.
Pirro’s appearance came during the V2 Future Champ Academy session at Misano, where he was seen riding a machine already equipped with the new 850cc engine, revised aerodynamic package, and tyres supplied by Pirelli, which will become the sole supplier from 2027. Visual material published by GPOne highlighted early GP27 configurations, including modified fairing dimensions and chassis characteristics adapted to the upcoming rule set.
Ducati has confirmed that the bike ridden by Pirro is indeed an 850cc prototype, although detailed technical specifications remain undisclosed. This outing places Ducati alongside KTM and Honda, both of which have already revealed early versions of their 2027 machinery on track.
As Ducati’s long-standing factory test rider, Pirro plays a central role in the initial validation phase, particularly in integrating the reduced engine capacity with aerodynamic efficiency targets and tyre management requirements. The transition to Pirelli tyres represents a critical variable, as differences in construction and performance characteristics will directly influence load distribution, mechanical grip, and race strategy.
In addition to Pirro, Nicolo Bulega is expected to join the testing programme from mid-season. The current World Superbike championship leader brings extensive experience with Pirelli tyres, positioning him as a key asset in accelerating Ducati’s adaptation process.
From a management perspective, the presence of Davide Tardozzi at Misano underlined the importance of this session within Ducati’s development timeline. Wet weather conditions limited track running on Monday, but the test programme continued to gather early data across varying grip scenarios.
"Pirelli is currently supporting individual manufacturer tests for 850cc development," as confirmed within the testing context.
The next phase includes a Pirelli group test for test riders, scheduled at Misano in late May, before full-time MotoGP riders receive their first experience of 2027 machinery and tyres during an official post-race test at Brno in June.
In parallel, rider market dynamics for 2027 are beginning to take shape. Pedro Acosta is expected to join the factory Ducati squad, potentially alongside reigning champion Marc Marquez, while Francesco Bagnaia is reportedly set to move to Aprilia. However, final line-ups remain pending amid ongoing negotiations over the constructors’ commercial agreement with MotoGP’s rights holder.
With Ducati now having publicly run its 850cc prototype, attention shifts to manufacturers such as Yamaha and Aprilia, whose next-generation machines have yet to be seen on track. This development phase is expected to define the early competitive balance ahead of MotoGP’s regulatory reset in 2027.
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