Pirelli completes its first official MotoGP tyre test

Pirelli will become the official tyre provider for MotoGP in 2027, and development of its new race rubber is well underway as it carried out a test at the Misano circuit this week.

The test comes off the back of the San Marino Grand Prix last weekend, which was won by Marc Marquez. Riders then stayed at the track for their own one-day test on Monday 15 September, before Pirelli got the chance to test its rubber that’s ultimately going to serve as the successor to Michelin. 

Pirelli’s arrival on the scene in MotoGP will be part of a wider change in the regulations, which sees engine capacity drop from 1000cc to 850cc. All bikes will also run on 100 per cent sustainable fuel, while all ride-height devices including the holeshot system will be banned. 

The new Pirelli tyres, as required by regulations, were tested on Tuesday with the bikes that are competing in the current season. Ride height devices were deactivated and, in some cases, detuned, for the purpose of the test. 

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli's Motorcycle Racing Director, said: 

"The Misano test was the first step in our return to the World Championship, and we are very satisfied with both the excellent working relationship that has been struck up between our engineers and all the teams and riders of the Test Teams and the tyre performance. The test took place according to the run plan, which also included a Sprint race simulation, and 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 Pirelli MotoGP tyres. 

“The most appreciated features are definitely grip, warm-up speed and confidence. We have decided to approach MotoGP with the same philosophy that has always distinguished us in motorcycle racing: the tyres will have to be dedicated exclusively to the premier class, because this is what the regulations require.”

While Pirelli will replace Michelin in MotoGP, it will not be continuing as the tyre provider for WorldSBK, which will instead be taken up by the French company. What Pirelli’s introduction to MotoGP does mean, is that it will be the only tyre provider for all three grand prix classes, including Moto2 and Moto3.

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