Pirelli Completes Second Red Bull Ring MotoGP Tyre Test With 18 Riders

Pirelli wrapped up its second and final in-season MotoGP tyre test at the Red Bull Ring on Monday, with 18 riders taking part behind closed doors. The session was the latest step in the Italian company’s development programme ahead of its planned switch to being MotoGP’s exclusive tyre supplier next season, replacing Michelin.

The test offered a selection of slick compounds—soft, medium and hard—while Pirelli continued work on the tyre range it will bring to the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship. Alongside the latest 850cc prototypes from all five manufacturers, some “adapted” current-generation 1000cc bikes were also on track, though the lack of official timing and the fact that no media were present meant it was not possible to determine which riders used which machine category.

Several riders returned from the earlier Czech test in June, including Toprak Razgatlioglu, Raul Fernandez, Pedro Acosta, Fermin Aldeguer, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez. Luca Marini and Joan Mir were absent, with their Honda places taken by LCR’s Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, both contracted for 2027.

Pirelli also welcomed riders making their debuts at this test, including Jack Miller, Brad Binder and Franco Morbidelli. Morbidelli is set to leave MotoGP for WorldSBK next season. Among the 2027 rookie contingent, Senna Agius and Izan Guevara were present as well.

Tech3’s Maverick Vinales took part too, using the day to evaluate his injured shoulder ahead of a possible return at Motegi. The remaining places in the 18-rider line-up were completed by test riders Takaaki Nakagami, Pol Espargaro, Lorenzo Savadori and Augusto Fernandez.

Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director Giorgio Barbier framed the Red Bull Ring session as part of a broader development plan that combines collective testing with manufacturer collaboration. He said the programme includes “both collective tests, such as today’s session, and private development work carried out in close collaboration with the Manufacturers,” and added that it will culminate in the first official 2027 tests in Valencia in early December with all next season’s race riders participating.

Barbier also pointed to the feedback gathered in Austria, noting that riders—including several rookies—were able to evaluate soft, medium and hard solutions at both front and rear. He said the riders used prototype future 850cc machines in some cases and “suitably adapted current-generation bikes in others,” and described the overall response as positive, highlighting grip and stability. He added that the information collected will help refine the development programme and define the characteristics of the range Pirelli will supply next season with “increasing precision.”

The tyre test was held without media and without official timing, but Pirelli’s rider line-up by manufacturer was confirmed as follows: Honda—Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira and Takaaki Nakagami; Yamaha—Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jack Miller, Izan Guevara and Augusto Fernandez; Ducati—Marc Marquez, Franco Morbidelli and Fermin Aldeguer; Aprilia—Marco Bezzecchi, Raúl Fernández and Lorenzo Savadori; KTM—Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Senna Agius.

While private 850cc/Pirelli work will continue with development riders, the next test open to race riders is scheduled for Tuesday, 1 December, after the Valencia season finale. That event is expected to be the first Pirelli test to feature the complete 2027 MotoGP rider line-up and will include official timing.