Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP prototype spotted testing at Misano

Ducati has been spotted testing its new 850cc MotoGP prototype at Misano, with Michele Pirro carrying out development of the 2027 machine.

It means Ducati is now the third known manufacturer to have debuted its 2027 MotoGP prototype, behind KTM and Honda.

Images and video published by GPOne.com showed Pirro riding a Desmosedici 'GP27', featuring the eagerly-anticipated 850cc engine, revised aerodynamics and Pirelli tyres ahead of next year’s regulation changes. 

Ducati confirmed to Crash.net that the bike Pirro was riding was indeed next year’s 850cc prototype. Pirro was seen testing the new machine during a V2 Champ Academy test at Misano.

While this was the first time that Ducati’s new machine was spotted testing, it doesn’t mean the bike has not taken part in private tests before. However, it does mean that only Yamaha and Aprilia are left to show off their new 850cc prototypes on track.

Pirro has so far carried out development of the new machine, although World Superbike title favourite Nicolo Bulega is expected to join his fellow Italian in testing next year's bike from June.

Ducati MotoGP team manager Davide Tardozzi was among those present at Misano on Monday, where wet weather disrupted track time. The V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy test continues today (Tuesday, 14 April).

Pirelli is currently supporting individual 850cc development tests by manufacturers, as it gears up to replace Michelin as the sole tyre provider for MotoGP. That switch will see Michelin head over to World Superbike, where it replaces Pirelli.  

Full-time MotoGP riders are scheduled to get their first experience of next year’s machinery and tyres during an official post-race test at Brno in June. As the year goes on, expect MotoGP teams to shift a lot of their focus, if not all their attention over to the 2027 bikes.

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com.