KTM believes the testing advantage that Nicolo Bulega holds ahead of the 2027 MotoGP season will be short-lived. The Italian, who is also a Ducati test rider, has already racked up significant mileage on the new 850cc machine and Pirelli tyres, while some of his future rivals will only get their first taste much later.
MotoGP will switch from 1000cc to 850cc engines in 2027 and swap tyre supplier from Michelin to Pirelli. Consequently, testing experience with both the new bikes and tyres is playing a key role in manufacturers' preparations. Bulega, who recently clinched the WorldSBK title at Cremona, is in an ideal position given his familiarity with Pirelli and the Ducati 850cc MotoGP bike.
On the other hand, KTM gave Pedro Acosta the chance to ride the 850cc prototype and Pirelli tyres again in the post-Austrian Grand Prix test at the Red Bull Ring. The decision was surprising since Acosta will move to the Ducati factory team next season and become a future rival. However, KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer explained that the move was deliberate to get feedback from their strongest current rider.
“We discussed internally the week before the Austrian Grand Prix and decided to put Pedro on the new bike on Monday during the MotoGP test,” Beirer said. “We wanted to have the benchmark of the best rider we currently have in the group. He could take over the work from Pol, who had done a very good test in Mugello.”
According to unofficial reports from the behind-closed-doors test, Acosta set the second-fastest lap time, behind Honda rider Diogo Moreira. However, official lap times were not available. Honda had previously taken a similar approach by testing Joan Mir and Luca Marini—both leaving at the end of this season—on the 850cc machine in Brno in June.
Not every rider moving to a different manufacturer for 2027 gets that opportunity. Future KTM factory riders Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are among those who must wait until Valencia to get their first MotoGP test kilometres on the 850cc and new Pirelli tyres. “It's a transition phase and these situations are part of it,” Beirer said about the differences in testing mileage. “You can't simply make it fair for everyone. When riders change teams, not everyone gets the same chance.”
Meanwhile, Bulega combines Ducati and Pirelli experience. “It seems Ducati certainly has a very nice overall package with Bulega,” Beirer admitted. “The rider brings experience... [TRUNCATED]”
With this dynamic, the 2027 MotoGP competition is expected to heat up. KTM is trying to close the gap, while Ducati seems better prepared with Bulega. But as Beirer says, Bulega's testing advantage may only be temporary as all teams will catch up sooner or later.
Baca Juga
Maverick Vinales kembali ke MotoGP di Motegi setelah cedera panjang. Comeback ini bisa jadi yang terakhir, dengan tekanan dari KTM dan kritik Steiner.
Maverick Vinales kembali ke MotoGP Jepang setelah cedera bahu. Simak pernyataan dan dampaknya bagi Tech3 KTM di Motegi.
Peta kepala teknisi MotoGP 2027 berubah: Quartararo ke Honda dengan Pupulin, Acosta warisi tim Bagnaia, dan KTM rombak besar-besaran. Simak detailnya.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!