Pol Espargaro set the pace for KTM on the opening day of the private 850cc MotoGP test at Jerez, navigating through adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain severely disrupted running throughout the day, forcing teams and development riders to compromise their run plans on the Andalusian track. Despite the slippery asphalt, the Spaniard managed to command the timesheets in the early development phase of the new engine formula.
Driving the KTM prototype through the wet patches, Espargaro concluded the session 0.798 seconds ahead of Ducati's Nicolo Bulega. Bulega, who is slated to join VR46 Ducati in the future, put in solid laps under tricky conditions but was unable to breach the top mark before track conditions worsened. The session served as a key reference point for Ducati's ongoing evaluation of their new displacement package.
Lorenzo Savadori finished third fastest on his Aprilia, 2.3 seconds off Espargaro's benchmark. This marked Savadori’s first track action since finalizing his contract extension with the Noale manufacturer. Meanwhile, Ducati development rider Michele Pirro rounded out the running, splitting his track duties between current World Superbike machinery and Ducati's experimental 850cc setup.
On the other hand, Iker Lecuona opted against taking to the wet track on Wednesday. The WorldSBK runner-up, who finished behind teammate Bulega in the production series, chose to sit out the day's running in hopes of clearer weather and improved track conditions on Thursday to conduct meaningful baseline testing.
This private outing at Jerez serves as the final closed test prior to Pirelli's official MotoGP debut at Valencia on 1 December, an event expected to feature the provisional 2027 grid with full official timing. The current campaign will reach its climax with consecutive final rounds in Portimao and Valencia later this month.
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