MotoGP has announced that four in-season testing sessions will be conducted in 2026, with two of these reserved specifically for assessing the new Pirelli tyres as the championship prepares for a supplier change. The 2026 season serves as the final year for the 1000cc regulations and marks Michelin’s last year as the official tyre supplier before Pirelli assumes this role in 2027.
Transition to Pirelli as Official Tyre Supplier Starting 2027
Beginning in 2027, Pirelli will become the exclusive tyre provider for the MotoGP class, standardizing the tyre specifications across all categories of the championship. While some private testing of Pirelli tyres has occurred, no official riders have yet taken part in such trials. The two designated in-season Pirelli tyre tests for 2026 will be non-official, meaning live timing won’t be publicly available.
Dates and Details of 2026 Tyre Tests
The first Pirelli tyre test is set for 22 June, the Monday after the Czech Grand Prix, followed by a second on 21 September, the Monday after the Austrian Grand Prix. In addition to these, two official tyre tests on Michelin rubber will take place earlier in the season, on 27 April after the Spanish Grand Prix and 18 May following the Catalan Grand Prix. These sessions will enable teams to experiment with upgrades for the ongoing season.
Manufacturers’ Preparations and Pre-Season Testing Schedule
Throughout 2026, manufacturers will conduct numerous private tests for their 2027 prototypes. Several teams, including KTM, which was reportedly the first to run a prototype late last year, are already active in this process. The pre-season kicks off with the Sepang shakedown from 29 to 31 January, primarily for test riders, rookies, and participants from D rank concession teams. Following that, the official three-day Sepang test will be held from 3 to 5 February, with additional testing at Buriram on 21 and 22 February.
Season Commencement and Post-Season Testing
The 2026 season officially starts with the Thai Grand Prix scheduled for 27 February to 1 March. Beyond the four in-season sessions, there will be a post-season test after the Valencia Grand Prix. This concluding test will serve as the initial opportunity to evaluate developments for the 2027 campaign, as teams continue adjustments ahead of Pirelli’s official entry as tyre supplier.
