PIT BEIRER SAYS ANY 850 ADVANTAGE WILL BE BRIEF AS TEST ACCESS REMAINS RESTRICTED

MotoGP’s next era is set to officially begin on 1 December in Valencia, where the riders will take to the track on the new 850cc machines running Pirelli tyres. The switch is expected to reshape the competitive picture early on, but not everyone will have the same opportunity to prepare before the 2027 season starts.

A key factor is that some riders will arrive with less pre-season mileage on the final tyre specification. Speedweek notes that riders who are changing manufacturers for 2027—particularly those moving to a different brand—may not have had the chance to test extensively once the tyre details are fully confirmed. That includes Alex Marquez, who is moving from Ducati to KTM. Marquez is described as taking a calm approach, saying it is preferable to test only once the definitive tyre specification is known.

One rider who has been heavily involved with the 850cc development and has accumulated significant testing time with the Pirelli package is Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega. Speedweek highlights that Bulega is deeply engaged in the development work and also brings experience from the production-based racing series, where he has already built up familiarity with Pirelli tyres. Marc Marquez, speaking at the opening press conference at the Red Bull Ring, said he expects Bulega to be strong next year. Alex Marquez also shares that belief, according to the report.

The article also points to an imbalance in the paddock: because the new package will be worked on at different intensities by different teams and riders, the level of experience at the start of 2027 could vary widely. This is reinforced by the structure of the upcoming two-day shakedown test in Malaysia on 29–30 January at Sepang International Circuit. Participation will be limited to five rookies—Bulega, David Alonso, Daniel Holgado, Senna Agius and Izan Guevara—along with the test riders. Other regular riders will not be allowed to take part.

KTM team boss Pit Beirer addressed the fairness of restricting who can test. He said it is “a transition” and that it is not straightforward to make it fair, explaining that when riders change teams, not everyone gets the same chance to test beforehand. Beirer also acknowledged the situation around Ducati’s current preparation, stating that it appears Ducati has a strong package with Bulega, who brings tyre experience and is working on the bike. However, Beirer believes the advantage will only last briefly.

In his view, once the season begins and manufacturers intensify their work with their riders and test teams on the new machine, everyone will be catching up. He added that if a rider is fully focused on the tyres and the overall package, that is beneficial—but he also pointed out that KTM has its own high-quality test resources. Beirer said KTM has “excellent test riders” in Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa, and that they will prepare the motorcycle well for the other riders. He also noted that other riders will have access to the tyres for the production bikes to train with, and concluded that there remains a “big question mark” over how each rider will start the season.

Beirer stressed that the shakedown rules will not change: there will be no permission for the other riders to join the test. He said everyone will start with the new bike at the appropriate time.

Beyond Malaysia, the report mentions another 850cc test with Pirelli tyres scheduled immediately after the Spielberg race weekend at the Red Bull Ring. Beirer said that on Monday they will have an important test where all manufacturers will be on the same track with selected strong riders. KTM has decided to allow Pedro to ride its machine, aiming to establish a benchmark with the best rider available in their group at the time. The report adds that Pedro will take over from Pol, who recently completed a “great test” at Mugello.