The Red Bull Ring is hosting a pivotal MotoGP test today, as 13 riders take to the track with 850cc prototypes shod on Pirelli tires. Following yesterday's session at Brno, the Austrian circuit now becomes the second venue for this new-era experiment. However, three big names are missing: Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Quartararo.
The trio's absence is no coincidence. All three are set to switch manufacturers next season and will have to wait until the post-season Valencia test to get their first taste of the 2027 machinery. Their teams opted to keep them away to prevent any technical data leakage. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta has been given the green light by KTM to participate, just as he did at Brno.
The entry list features a mix of seasoned stars and fresh faces. Ducati fields Marc Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer. Aprilia brings Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez. KTM has Pedro Acosta, Pol Espargaro, and Dani Pedrosa. Yamaha calls upon Toprak Razgatlioglu, Izan Guevara, and Augusto Fernandez. Honda is represented by Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira, and Takaaki Nakagami.
For Izan Guevara, this is a special moment. The young Spaniard won yesterday's Moto2 race at the same circuit and now gets an immediate MotoGP debut. It's a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on a much more powerful machine, and all eyes will be on his adaptation.
This test is also a vital data-gathering exercise for manufacturers ahead of the 2027 regulations. The 850cc engines are expected to shake up the competitive order, and Pirelli's arrival as sole tire supplier adds another variable. Every lap around the Red Bull Ring is precious for development.
Even without Martin, Bagnaia, and Quartararo, the session remains crucial. The riders present can provide early feedback on engine character and chassis behavior, laying the groundwork for the 2027 bikes. Stay tuned to Sportrik for further updates.
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