Pirelli delivers second set of 2027 prototype tyres to MotoGP constructors

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Pirelli, which will become the sole tyre supplier for MotoGP next year, began delivering the second batch of 80 tyres to MotoGP teams on Thursday.

Late last year, the Milan-based manufacturer made an initial distribution of tyres to the five manufacturers involved in MotoGP: Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, Honda and KTM. The last-named brand was the first to put its 2027 prototype on the track during a test held in Jerez in early December, with Pol Espargaro at the helm.

Since then, all manufacturers have been testing their new 850cc bikes and 2027-spec tyres, to the point that the first shipment of 80 tyres is already coming to an end, and the distribution of a new batch of the same number of units to the five manufacturers involved has begun.

Next season, MotoGP will introduce a profound and significant change to its technical regulations. The engines will go from the current 1000cc to 850cc, aerodynamics will be reduced, ride-height devices and holeshot devices will be banned, and fuel will be 100% sustainable. The most important change, however, will be the change of tyre supplier, with Pirelli taking over from Michelin, which has held that role for the past 10 years.

Pirelli MotoGP tires

Photo by: Motorsport.com

With the new regulations in hand, manufacturers began developing these new prototypes, having received the first batch of compounds being developed by Pirelli since late last year.

In addition to KTM, which put its bike on track at Jerez on 5 December, Honda also began testing the new prototype at Sepang a few days later, with Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami riding the RC214V. Before the end of the year, Yamaha began testing the new bike at its Iwata circuit.

Although neither Ducati nor Aprilia have officially conducted a full test with the new bike, Motorsport understands that, behind the scenes, they have done so – as they, like the other manufacturers, have ordered this second set of 80 tyres from Pirelli.

On 13 April, Ducati conducted a shakedown of its 850cc prototype at Misano with Michele Pirro. On paper, the first full tests will take place at Mugello next week, again with Pirro, and on 5 May with Nicolo Bulega, who has a contract to race with Ducati in the World Superbike Championship and complete five tests for the development of the 2027 MotoGP bike.

Aprilia claims that it has not run its 850cc bike, although everything points to the fact that it has done so discreetly. It recently announced that its 'first' test will be held next week in Jerez, as part of multi-day private test where KTM and Yamaha will also be present.

Honda, for its part, will be at the same test as Ducati at Mugello with Nakagami, who after Aleix Espargaro's injury must now take on the development of the 1000cc RC213V and the new 850cc RC214V.