Ducati draws a positive conclusion after its first test with the 850cc prototype – the next important step will follow next week in Mugello
Ducati has taken another step towards the future of MotoGP: the first test of the new 850cc prototype for the 2027 season has been completed, and it appears to have been extremely positive.
“The first impression of the bike was very good,” explained Ducati’s General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna on Wednesday in Jerez. The shakedown, which test rider Michele Pirro completed, primarily served to check the basic functions and prepare the bike for more intensive use. “Everything worked well and the bike is ready for further tests,” continued Dall’Igna.
After KTM, Honda and Yamaha had already brought their 2027 prototypes onto the track for the first time on April 13 in Misano, Ducati followed suit on April 13.
Next test for 2027 in Mugello
The next important step is imminent: “We will carry out a test next week,” confirmed Dall’Igna. This will take place in Mugello, around 90 kilometers from Ducati’s factory in Borgo Panigale, and will once again be ridden by Pirro.
The Italian will be working with the currently available complete package for the first time. “He will have the complete package that we currently have: the new engine, the aerodynamics, without auxiliary systems or ride height devices … practically everything.”
In addition, there are the tires developed by Pirelli for 2027 and a new, 100 percent sustainable fuel that Shell is working on and which will be mandatory in the future.
In the long term, Nicolo Bulega will also play a role in Ducati’s testing strategy. The Superbike rider was already extended last year, including a clause as a MotoGP test rider. He is currently dominating the WSBK and has celebrated a series of record wins, which is why his involvement on the prototype will have to wait.
Ducati, however, sees his experience with the Panigale on Pirelli tires as an important advantage for the development for 2027. At the same time, it is clear that Pirro is increasingly reaching his limits in view of his age – he will soon be 40 years old.
Other brands are also planning further tests
Parallel to Ducati’s program, there are other important test dates coming up. This weekend, the MotoGP will make a guest appearance in Jerez. Directly afterwards, on Monday, the first official Inseason test with all teams will take place at the same circuit. The Moto2 and Moto3 classes will have their turn on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Honda will also be testing at Mugello next week, albeit under more difficult conditions. With Takaaki Nakagami, there is currently only one rider available. Following Aleix Espargaro’s injury, he has to take over the development of the 1000cc bike and push ahead with the 850cc project at the same time.
While Ducati and Honda are focusing on Mugello, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia are taking a different approach. They will be testing in Jerez on Thursday and Friday, directly after the race weekend and the official tests on the following days. Regardless of this, Aprilia will bring its 2027 prototype onto the track there for the first time.