Pirelli to hold first MotoGP test in Misano with test riders and “laboratory bikes”

Pirelli has lined up its first MotoGP test ahead of taking on the tyre supplier role from 2027, with it set to trial its new compounds in Misano in September.

The revision of the MotoGP technical regulations for 2027 includes the switch from Michelin tyres to new compounds provided by Italian company Pirelli, which has already been working for several years with the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, in addition to series such as Formula 1 and World Superbikes.

Since the agreement was announced in early March, the Italian tyre manufacturer has intensified the development of its first prototype compounds and is now waiting to put them on-track and receive feedback from riders.

Initially, a first test was planned for the week after the Aragon GP at Motorland, but various issues prevented those tests from taking place.

After further discussions between the teams and the Italian manufacturer, Pirelli will put MotoGP tyres on track for the first time on Tuesday 16 September in Misano, sources have confirmed to Autosport.

The date falls two days after the San Marino GP and one day after the official IRTA test, which takes place on the same track on Monday.

For this first test the teams will provide Pirelli with their test riders — one per manufacturer (five in total) — as well as a laboratory bike.

The test bikes aim to replicate as closely as possible what the 2027 prototypes will be, meaning the current 1000cc bikes without ride-height devices, with minimal aerodynamic packages, and a power reduction of between 40 and 50 horsepower.

The costs generated by this first Pirelli test will be covered by the Milan-based manufacturer.

A point of friction between Pirelli and the MotoGP teams centred on who would bear the cost of the tire tests. Initially, the manufacturer agreed to cover the cost of this first test, but later running would be funded by the teams.

This prompted backlash from the grid, as the subsequent tests scheduled for 2026 will be more extensive and involve increasing participation from full-time riders. However, an agreement has reportedly now been reached, but the details have not been disclosed.

The goal of these tests is to try out an initial series of different tyre compounds that Pirelli has designed in preparation for its entry into MotoGP. While testing the compounds, Pirelli aims to collect as much information as possible to continue its development programme.

The next step, in 2026, will be to organise several test sessions at different circuits to begin fine-tuning the compounds.

In this second phase, Pirelli expects that full-time MotoGP riders will become increasingly involved in the development of the tyres that will debut in the 2027 season.