– The 2027 MotoGP season is already casting its shadows ahead, and preparations for the next era of the premier class are taking concrete shape, as the dates for the most important winter tests have been set. The complete season preparation for Moto2 and Moto3 has also already been scheduled.
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The winter of 2026/27 will be particularly exciting because MotoGP is starting a new era with new technical regulations. Among other things, the prototypes of the premier class will switch to 850 cc displacement. A first preview of the new motorcycles will already be available at the Valencia test on December 1, 2026. There, the new machines are expected to hit the track officially for the first time.
For the premier class, three official or preparatory test events as well as the big season opener have been confirmed. This means the intense phase of MotoGP preparation begins at the end of January in Malaysia. The shakedown test at the end of January immediately transitions into the official Sepang test.
Afterwards, the entire MotoGP paddock travels to Thailand before the coordinated season presentation with all teams takes place for the first time in Brazil.
Sepang shakedown opens test phase
The start is made on January 29 and 30, 2027, with the shakedown test at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. This test is traditionally not to be equated with a normal official MotoGP test: the focus is mainly on the test riders of the individual manufacturers as well as the rookies of the upcoming season.
There are five of them in 2027: Daniel Holgado (Gresini-Ducati), Nicolo Bulega (VR46-Ducati), Izan Guevara (Pramac-Yamaha), David Alonso (Honda or LCR-Honda), and Senna Agius (Tech3-KTM, still unconfirmed).
For the manufacturers, the shakedown is still of great importance. Especially ahead of the new technical regulations, it offers the opportunity to gather the first fundamental insights with the new 850 cc motorcycles and to further advance development before the official test.
Sepang test reduced to two days
Just one day later, the official Sepang test begins. On January 31 and February 1, the regular MotoGP riders are allowed on the track there. Noticeable is the shortened test duration: for 2027, only two test days are planned in Sepang. Nevertheless, there is practically continuous testing activity in Malaysia for four days.
For the teams, the Sepang test is likely to become one of the most important dates of the winter 2027. Because with the new technical regulations, riders and engineers must adjust to a fundamentally changed starting position.
Second MotoGP test 2027 in Buriram
After Malaysia, it goes to Thailand. The Buriram test is scheduled for February 6 and 7, 2027. The Chang International Circuit is already well known to the MotoGP field. It will also host the season opener. The test is thus simultaneously an important preparation for the first race weekend of the year.
The Grand Prix of Thailand takes place from March 5 to 7, 2027, and opens the new MotoGP season. Particularly historic: the race is the first world championship event under the new technical regulations for the period 2027 to 2031.
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New rules in focus
The 2027 test rides are not just another preparation for a new season. MotoGP is facing a technical restart. From 2027, the prototypes will compete with 850 instead of the previous 1000 cc, reduced aerodynamics, and without devices. In addition, Pirelli will become the new tire supplier.
For the manufacturers, this means a particularly important winter. Data from Valencia, Sepang, and Buriram will form the basis for the last major development steps before the season start. The first real acid test will then follow at the beginning of March.
From March 5 to 7, the new season starts in Buriram. There, it will be shown for the first time under race conditions which concept has survived the winter most successfully.
Moto2 and Moto3 test in Jerez
The two smaller world championship classes also now have a clearly defined schedule. Unlike in MotoGP, the entire preparation of Moto2 and Moto3 focuses on the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto in Spain.
For Moto2, two events are planned: first a private test and then an official test. Moto3 completes one official test.
Moto2 test calendar 2027
February 16-17: private Moto2 test
February 20-21: official Moto2 test
Moto3 test calendar 2027
February 18-19: official Moto3 test
Thus, Jerez becomes the central meeting point for the junior classes in mid-February. The program is particularly dense between February 16 and 21: Moto2 and Moto3 test rides alternate over six consecutive days.
Season launch 2027 this time in Rio
Between the test rides of the smaller classes and the actual season start, there is still a special date on the program on February 21, 2027: the official MotoGP season launch. After Kuala Lumpur last year, the big season presentation will take place for the first time in Rio de Janeiro.
The venue is to be Botafogo Beach in front of the spectacular backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain. With this, MotoGP shifts the traditional season opening from Asia to South America.
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MotoGP winter tests 2027: All dates and key data
December 1, 2026: Valencia test
January 29-30, 2027: Shakedown test, Sepang
January 31-February 1, 2027: Sepang test
February 6-7, 2027: Buriram test
February 21, 2027: Season launch in Rio de Janeiro
March 5-7, 2027: Grand Prix of Thailand in Buriram
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