Pirelli will carry out its inaugural MotoGP tyre test on Tuesday, 16 September at the Misano circuit, advancing preparations for its official role as the championship’s tyre supplier starting in 2027. This Pirelli MotoGP tyre test 2027 marks a key step as the brand gears up to replace Michelin, the current exclusive supplier since 2016.
Transition from Michelin to Pirelli in 2027
In 2027, MotoGP will see a major shift when Pirelli takes over tyre supply across all championship categories, including MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. Michelin, the French tyre manufacturer, has held this role for several years but will hand over the responsibility to Pirelli, a Milan-based company already experienced in Moto2, Moto3, World Superbike, and Formula 1 tyres.
Pirelli’s commitment to supplying tyres for all three world championship divisions presents considerable challenges, prompting a gradual and careful tyre development process to match the demanding MotoGP standards and upcoming regulation changes.
Details of the Initial Testing Program and Participants
Since Pirelli’s appointment was confirmed earlier this year, tyre development began with base compounds aimed for rigorous testing. Although originally planned for Aragon in early June, the first on-track testing shifted to Misano. This timing coincides with the San Marino Grand Prix weekend and an official MotoGP test session on Monday.
Five prominent test riders from different manufacturers will assess Pirelli’s tyre options during the Misano session. These riders include Michele Pirro representing Ducati, Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia, Daniel Pedrosa with KTM, Takaaki Nakagami riding for Honda, and Augusto Fernandez, who will compete as a Yamaha wildcard that weekend using the newly introduced V4-powered M1 prototype.
The test involves evaluating five to six distinct tyre compounds, focusing on assessing their durability, capacity to endure race distances, and peak performance under MotoGP conditions.
Prototype Bikes and Simulated 2027 Technical Regulations
The motorcycles used during testing are current MotoGP prototypes with specific modifications. To simulate the upcoming 2027 regulations, these bikes have electronically reduced power, reflecting the shift from 1000cc to 850cc engines. Additionally, the tested bikes lack ride-height adjustment devices and feature reduced aerodynamic elements, mirroring planned technical changes for the championship.
Pirelli’s engineers will closely analyze the tyres’ behavior under these conditions to refine compounds before the supplier’s full championship debut.
Further Testing Scheduled to Refine Tyre Performance
Although the Misano track’s high-grip surface following intensive weekend usage may mask some tyre performance traits, the insights gained remain critical for development. To deepen their understanding, Pirelli plans an additional test following the Valencia Grand Prix finale in November, aimed at evaluating an advanced iteration of the 2027 tyre compounds.
Significance of this Test for Future MotoGP Seasons
This initial tyre test is essential in ensuring Pirelli meets the demands of MotoGP racing at the highest level. With changes to engine size and aerodynamics on the horizon, the test results will guide compound evolution and influence how tyres perform in real racing conditions. The successful development of competitive and durable tyres will be vital to Pirelli’s role as the exclusive supplier in 2027, impacting race strategies and rider safety across all championship classes.
