The first Pirelli MotoGP test with the prototypes of the 850cc machines and the regular riders took place in intense heat on Monday, June 22, 2026 at the Automotodrom Brno circuit in the Czech Republic and, although completely behind closed doors, some particularly clever enthusiasts were nevertheless able to capture the beginnings of what the future Aprilia, Ducati and other Hondas will be like in 2027.
Let us recall the four main directions that will differ in 2027, with the objective of reducing performance.
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A reduced engine displacement of 850cc (compared to 1000cc today) to reduce straight-line speed.
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The use of Pirelli tires as a replacement for Michelin tires.
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An overall reduced aerodynamic design , now regulated for the rear section, to reduce aerodynamic downforce.
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The complete disappearance of ride-height devices and electronic clutches.
In addition to these, there are related measures, such as the minimum weight being reduced from 157 to 153 kilos and the tank capacity being reduced from 22 to 20 liters (12 to 11 liters for the Sprints).
The 14 riders who were present at the Pirelli MotoGP test (provisional list established from our photos):
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Ducati : Marc Márquez , Fermín Aldeguer and Franco Morbidelli.
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Aprilia : Marco Bezzecchi and Raúl Fernández.
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Honda : Johann Zarco , Diogo Moreira and Takaaki Nakagami (test driver).
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Yamaha : Toprak Razgatlıoğlu , Izan Guevara (2027 rider) and Augusto Fernández (test rider).
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KTM : Pedro Acosta , Pol Espargaró (test rider) and Senna Agius (2027 rider).
At the pneumatic level, Pirelli had brought 400 tires, divided between 5 options for the front (1 soft, 2 medium, 2 hard) and 5 options for the rear (3 soft, 2 hard).
Pirelli had asked each manufacturer to field at least one full-time rider, as well as one or two test riders on the second machine. The work program, defined in advance with the manufacturers and IRTA, included different riding plans for each brand's two motorcycles in order to maximize data collection and allow Pirelli's technicians and the manufacturers' engineers to more effectively evaluate the development solutions being tested.
In the end, although the test was not officially timed, some lap times seem to have leaked , probably thanks to collusion between certain members of the paddock and the press:
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Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) 1'53.9
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Raúl Fernández (Aprilia) 1'53.9
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Fermín Aldeguer (Ducati) 1'54.0,
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Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (Yamaha) 1'54.2
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Pedro Acosta (KTM) 1'54.3
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Marc Márquez (Ducati) in 1'54.4.
By comparison, these times are unless 3 seconds of the circuit's absolute record (1'51.139 by Ai Ogura this year), which seems a priori to be in line with the objectives pursued.
But it was only one day, and the potential for improvement is undoubtedly still enormous, which surprised observers who expected a larger gap with current MotoGP bikes.
In fact, at the moment, the 2027 prototypes are already less than a second off the best lap time achieved by Fabio DiGiannantonio in 1'53.122.
It is reasonable to assume that this will be further reduced between now and the Valencia test and those of next year, and it will be interesting to study precise data, for example to know what influence the reduction in aerodynamic downforce will have on top speed…
In the meantime, since we were able to obtain photos of all the motorcycles and all the riders, we thought it would be interesting to share some of them with you, not so much to dissect each new element, as we usually do in this section, but to set a sort of benchmark while waiting to observe with our own eyes the modifications that will be made in Valencia…
Aprilia RS-GP 2027
Aprilia had brought its "real" 850cc prototypes, and not 1000cc models equipped with new aerodynamic elements.
Obviously, they look a lot like the current RS-GP but we can immediately note the front wing which has become almost monoplane again although in several elements.
And of course, it no longer extends beyond the width of the motorcycle's sides.
Compare with the version used in racing on the 1000cc (all Michelin photos relate to the motorcycles entered in the race this year in Brno or Indonesia).
The sides don't seem to differ much in their upper part.
In the lower part of the fairing, the Downwash Ducts are significantly shorter.
Also noteworthy is the (temporary?) abandonment of the small lateral appendages behind the riders' legs, the penultimate version of the seat wing, also used in racing, as well as the swingarm paddles foreshadowing what would be adopted last weekend in Australia…
I can't wait for Valence!
MotoGP Aprilia 2027
