The technical revolution in MotoGP hasn't even begun, and the first inequalities are already appearing. Enea Bastianini is questioning the conditions of access to testing the new Pirelli tires, as several riders have already been able to try them out while others will have to wait until Valencia. Among the latter are Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Jorge Martin. But it's a decision by KTM that's particularly puzzling: why was Pedro Acosta able to participate in the Red Bull Ring tests while Bastianini, who is also leaving the team, was excluded?
MotoGP is about to undergo one of the most significant technical transformations in its recent history. In 2027, engines will be reduced from 1000cc to 850cc, ride-height control systems will be phased out, and Pirelli will replace Michelin as the tire supplier.
But even before the new machines officially take to the track, an initial imbalance is emerging. Not all riders have the same amount of time to prepare for this transition. And Enea Bastianini is starting to find the situation difficult to justify.
Bastianini: " Those who haven't tested will be at a disadvantage. »
When questioned by Motosprint , the Tech3 rider didn't hide his frustration. " I wouldn't say it makes me angry, but it does make me raise my nose. We all should have had at least one day of testing before Valencia . "
The Italian is particularly concerned that the post-season test, traditionally organized in sometimes tricky weather conditions, may not be enough to properly discover the new tires.
He even joked about the risk of spending more time exchanging Christmas presents than riding. His proposal is simple: open the tests to all riders, even if it means using 1000cc motorcycles with reduced power. " In my opinion, anyone who doesn't test the tires will be at a disadvantage. "
This is an important statement, as the change of manufacturer could profoundly alter the feel of braking, corner entry and grip management.
Acosta allowed, Bastianini excluded: the KTM paradox
Tests were held at the Red Bull Ring with prototypes adapted for 2027 preparation. Pedro Acosta was able to participate. However, the Spaniard will leave KTM at the end of the season to join the official Ducati team . Bastianini , on the other hand, did not have this opportunity. The Italian is also preparing to change manufacturers, as he will join TrackHouse Aprilia.
Bagnaia, Quartararo and Martin are in the same situation
Bastianini is not an isolated case. Francesco Bagnaia , Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin are also among the riders who have not yet had the opportunity to collect personal data on the Pirelli tires intended for the premier class.
For them, the first contact could come during the Valencia tests . The situation is all the more delicate as the driver market is disrupting almost every team. Manufacturers are naturally looking to protect their development programs and technical information.
But riders who switch brands can find themselves in an uncomfortable position: still contractually bound to their current employer, without necessarily being able to prepare their future machine. A classic problem during transfers, amplified this time by a simultaneous change of engine size and tire supplier.
Is the 2027 revolution starting with two speeds?
Testing Pirelli tires on a modified 1000cc motorcycle doesn't guarantee a decisive advantage over a true 850cc. The new motorcycles will have different characteristics in terms of weight, power, aerodynamics, and handling.
The data collected today will therefore not be entirely transferable. However, it can allow drivers to begin to understand the philosophy behind the new tires, their reactions, and their limitations.
And it is precisely this learning time that Bastianini believes he is losing. The issue thus extends beyond his own case: can a regulatory revolution intended to reshuffle the deck truly put all drivers on an equal footing if some discover its essential elements several months before others? For Bastianini, the 2027 season hasn't even started. But the first gaps could already be widening.
