Pirelli buoyed by MotoGP tyre test ahead of 2027 takeover

New 2027 MotoGP rubber supplier Pirelli has pronounced itself pleased after its first on-track test with premier class prototypes went ahead at Misano on Tuesday.

The Italian company, which replaces Michelin as the control tyre manufacturer after next season, completed a sprint simulation, among other experiments.

In the interests of fairness within the broader testing regulations landscape, each MotoGP team took part in the test with a single bike, with riding duties restricted to their respective test riders. These were Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha), Daniel Pedrosa (KTM), Takaaki Nakagami (Honda), Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia) and Michele Pirro (Ducati).

For the test, the current bikes were used with deactivated ride height devices. In some cases, they were also detuned and modified in aerodynamics. That simulates the 2027 rules set.

The test was closed to public and the media, but Pirelli issued a statement following the session.

Michele Pirro in the regular MotoGP test at Misano on Monday

Photo by: Michele Pirro

“The test took place according to the run plan, which also included a sprint race simulation,” ran the quote from Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli’s motorcycle racing director. “The first feedback received is very encouraging – this test has generated a lot of data to be analysed in order to continue our development work of the MotoGP tyres.

“The most appreciated features are definitely grip, warm-up speed and confidence.

“The Misano test was the first step in our return to the world championship, and we are very satisfied with the excellent working relationship that has been struck up between our engineers and all the teams… and the tyre performance.”

Each team was given seven sets of tyres to try on another warm, dry day at Misano, which played host to the San Marino GP on the weekend as well as a full MotoGP test on Monday. The allocation included two front tyre variants and three rear tyre options.