MotoGP has announced its testing schedule for the 2027 preseason and the start of its new technical era.
The championship will switch from 1,000cc bikes to 850cc machines in 2027, as well as from Michelin to Pirelli tyres, while reducing the size of the fairings and banning ride height devices.
Private testing of the 850cc MotoGP bikes has already been underway since the beginning of this year for many of the manufacturers. There was also an official test, held without the official presence of media, at Brno after the Czech Grand Prix, and there will be another after the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in just over two weeks’ time.
As usual, Valencia will host a post-season test in November, as well, meaning there will have been three official 850cc tests with Pirelli tyres before the 2027 calendar year.
The full preseason for next year will get underway at the end of January, MotoGP has now confirmed, with the traditional Sepang Shakedown for rookies and test riders. This test has been shortened to two days from the usual three and will be held on 29–30 January.
The two official tests for full-time riders have also been shortened to two days. These will take place in Sepang on 31 January – 1 February and in Buriram on 6–7 February.
It means the 2027 preseason will not only be shorter but also more condensed than in previous years, with full-time riders who aren’t rookies having only five days of testing (including Valencia this November) to adapt to the new bikes.
After the final preseason test in Thailand the riders will head to Brazil for the season launch in Rio de Janeiro on 21 February, before heading back to Asia for the start of the season at Buriram on 5–7 March.
