MULTIPLE MANUFACTURERS TEST 850CC MOTO GP MACHINES AT RED BULL RING AFTER AUSTRIAN GP

A major step in MotoGP’s next technical era took place at the Red Bull Ring after the Austrian Grand Prix, with a shared 850cc test session focused on the new 2027 four-cylinder regulations. Speedweek reports that the 850 programme has reached a “preliminary peak” in development, with all manufacturers shifting their attention toward the new prototypes. While Aprilia and Ducati are still locked in a close battle for rider and manufacturers’ honours, the Japanese brands are described as even more concentrated on the 850 transition.

The Red Bull Ring test followed a period of private running across Europe and an earlier large official test in Brno, where regular riders first came into contact with the new MotoGP hardware. On Monday in Spielberg, the next combined 850 test was held alongside the new tyre supplier.

KTM led the way on track, with a large group present in Austria. Speedweek says KTM’s line-up included Pedro Acosta, who tested the 850 KTM, along with Pol Espargaro, Brad Binder and Moto2 standout Senna Agius. Agius was on a MotoGP prototype for the first time and is set to join Tech3 next year. Speedweek also adds that KTM allowed Acosta to ride despite his move to Ducati for 2027, with KTM race boss Pit Beirer explaining that the decision was made “to allow Pedro to ride our bike to get the benchmark with the best rider we currently have in our group.” Acosta was also the first rider to complete laps at the Red Bull Ring on Monday.

Maverick Viñales was the other KTM rider on the programme, but Speedweek frames his appearance as a fitness check. “Top Gun” had missed the Austrian Grand Prix due to injury, and he was replaced by Pol Espargaro, as had happened in Silverstone, Aragon and Misano. Speedweek notes that Viñales’ last race weekend was at the Sachsenring in early July, where his persistent shoulder problem—linked to a crash on the Sachsenring in 2025—still limits him. The goal is for Viñales to be back on the RC16 in Motegi at the start of October. Speedweek also reports that Viñales’ participation in the remaining races depends on how his condition is when he returns to full training.

For Pol Espargaro, the day included an early but harmless crash in Turn 2, and Speedweek says he was able to return to the pits.

Ducati’s programme in Spielberg included the 850 bike, but Nicolo Bulega was absent, as already reported by Speedweek. Speedweek adds that Marc Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer and Franco Morbidelli were among the Ducati riders, with Morbidelli described as having already left at the end of 2026.

Aprilia’s involvement was more limited. Speedweek states that the Sprint winner and current championship leader had already left Spielberg on Sunday, along with Ai Ogura, who are scheduled to become team-mates in the Yamaha factory team for 2027. Testing duties for Aprilia instead fell to Marco Bezzecchi, Raul Fernandez and test rider Lorenzo Savadori.

Honda fielded three MotoGP riders. Alongside Taka Nakagami—who impressed at the Grand Prix on the 1000cc machine by finishing ahead of Luca Marini—Speedweek reports that Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira were also testing.

Yamaha’s approach was described as particularly proactive. Speedweek says Yamaha brought Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jack Miller, Augusto Fernandez and Izan Guevara, with Miller set to move to the Superbike World Championship next year. Izan Guevara joined the session on the 850 M1, alongside Senna Agius.

Speedweek adds that journalists did not have access to the paddock on Monday. The last official 850 test before the new MotoGP generation debuts on 1 December in Valencia will take place without publicly accessible timing. The article claims that the Red Bull Ring running was completed under good conditions, supported by exclusive images provided by Speedweek.