The 2026 MotoGP season has started strong in Jerez, where three of the five manufacturers in the category have held a three-day private test. Aprilia, KTM, and Yamaha have taken this opportunity to evaluate their bikes with Pirelli tires for 2027.
After completing the official preseason tests in Sepang and Buriram, as well as the Thailand Grand Prix in early March, these teams have moved their riders and technicians to the Spanish circuit to continue developing their models.
Thanks to the restrictions of the concession system, both Aprilia and KTM have sent test riders. In the case of the Italian team, Lorenzo Savadori is in charge of the testing, while the Austrian group has contacted several riders, presumably Pol Espargaro and/or Dani Pedrosa.
Yamaha, which enjoys the maximum concession, can count on any of its regular riders, such as Fabio Quartararo or Alex Rins. However, it is likely that test riders Augusto Fernández and Andrea Dovizioso will be present at the Jerez tests.
A Combination of Tires
One of the most notable aspects of these tests is the simultaneous use of the 2026 Michelin tires and the prototypes from Pirelli for the 2027 season. KTM and Yamaha, with their 2027 prototypes, are splitting their test time between current bikes and new ones, aiming to optimize their performance for the future.
For its part, Aprilia has focused on developing its 2026 bike, which showed outstanding performance at the Thailand Grand Prix, but they will also be able to test the Pirelli tires if they wish.
Ducati Adjusts Plans
Ducati, which had considered participating in Jerez as well, has changed the schedule of its tests to focus on a private session that will take place in Misano on April 13 and 14. This session will follow the Qatar Grand Prix, although the current situation of the conflict in the Middle East could affect the event.
During these two days, Ducati plans to test for the first time its 2027 prototype with Pirelli systems, with World Superbike rider Nicolo Bulega on the bike. With this, by mid-April, all MotoGP manufacturers will have been able to test their 850cc prototypes, preparing for the upcoming season.
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