– The development of the new MotoGP generation for 2027 is back in full swing after the short summer break. Yamaha is already starting private test rides this week in Jerez. Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, and Honda will work on their new prototypes next week in Mugello.
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The manufacturers are preparing intensively for the comprehensive rule changes that will apply in MotoGP from the 2027 season. The focus is on the new 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, the elimination of ride-height systems, and the switch of tire supplier from Michelin to Pirelli.
Yamaha fully focuses on 2027
Yamaha kicks off at the Jerez racetrack in southern Spain. On Tuesday and Wednesday, test and development riders Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso will be busy with the further development for 2027.
For Yamaha, the upcoming regulations now have the highest priority. The Japanese manufacturer has not yet achieved the hoped-for progress with the current 1000cc motorcycle and the V4 engine introduced this season, after the legendary inline four-cylinder was discarded.
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Since half of the season has already passed, the manufacturer is increasingly focusing its resources on the 2027 project. The new prototype is to be available to Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura, the new rider duo for next season, at the official pre-season test in Valencia on December 1.
For both riders, this test will likely also be the first direct contact with the new Pirelli tires, which will replace the current Michelin tires from 2027.
Joint test of manufacturers in Mugello
While Yamaha can act more flexibly thanks to concessions and test rides are possible on any track, the others often concentrate their development work at joint tests. This allows track time and costs to be used more efficiently.
The test teams of Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, and Honda will meet next week in Mugello for a joint two-day test. The traditional Italian track has been reserved for August 5 and 6, just before the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, which will take place on August 9.
Already in mid-July, the same four manufacturers had completed a test in Barcelona. After a three-week break, work will now continue with the same participants.
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Nakagami takes over development for 2027
Honda will focus primarily on the development of the new 2027 motorcycle in Mugello. The Japanese test rider Takaaki Nakagami will take over the testing work. Nakagami is also scheduled for a wildcard entry at his home race in Motegi, which will take place in early October.
At the same time, Honda is waiting for the return of Aleix Espargaro. The brand’s second test rider is still in the recovery phase after a neck injury.
Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia also in test mode
Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia will also use the two test days in Mugello to further develop their 2027 prototypes. At the same time, it is not excluded that individual components for the current motorcycles will be tested.
Ducati and Aprilia are still fighting for the world championship and are therefore simultaneously advancing the development of their current machines. KTM, on the other hand, is still working intensively to find the cause of the technical problems that cause the motorcycles to fail during races.
Technical defects have recently increased. The Austrian manufacturer has now been allowed to open and examine its engines more closely. However, this work will only begin after the Grand Prix in Silverstone.
Yamaha and Ducati test again at the end of August
Before the end of August, further development rides are on the program. On Tuesday and Wednesday before the Aragon Grand Prix, which will be held from August 28 to 30, Yamaha and Ducati will test together again.
This time it goes to the track in Misano, where both manufacturers will continue their work on future MotoGP projects. These test rides clearly show: While the manufacturers are still fighting for the current season, the crucial development phase for the new era from 2027 is already in full swing.
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