850cc test: Bulega (Ducati) ahead of Espargaro (KTM) and Savadori (Aprilia)

On 1 December, the new MotoGP era will begin at the Valencia circuit, featuring only 850cc four-cylinder prototypes. Joint test sessions with the Pirelli-shod bikes have already taken place at the Red Bull Ring in Brno. But two days after the end of the 1000cc era and the official ceremony honouring the 2026 champions, the newly signed riders will also be taking their first ride on their new machines.

Virtually the entire line-up of the 22 MotoGP riders will be reshuffled on this day. Not a single one of the eleven teams will escape without changes. The factory teams from Honda, Yamaha and KTM will even field two new riders each. However, World Championship stars Marc Márquez and Marco Bezzecchi remain loyal to their teams. World Championship favourite Márquez will switch to the 850cc Ducati on 1 December, with Pedro Acosta taking his place in the pit next to him. Qatar winner Bezzecchi remains with Aprilia Racing, whilst Pecco Bagnaia joins the team.

The three European manufacturers, who are also setting the pace in the current factory competition, were in action in southern Spain for another 850cc test. Ducati was represented by three riders at the two-day test, which took place in changeable weather. Whilst Nicolo Bulega, who is due to take up his role at VR46 Racing on 1 December, focused on the new 850cc GP27Desmosedici and set the fastest time on a dry track on day 2, veteran Michele Pirro was only out on the Ducati Corse Superbike. Also out on the track in red was Superbike World Championship runner-up Iker Lecuona. The Spaniard rode the MotoGP Ducati, though only on a wet track on the first day.

Pol Espargaro mit der 850er-MotoGP-KTM

Foto: David Ulrich

It was KTM, with Pol Espargaro, that had set the fastest times there on Wednesday. On day two, riding on slicks, the RC16 rider was 0.8 seconds slower than Bulega. By way of comparison: Ducati leaves Jerez with a time of 1:39.2 mins. 1000cc rider Alex Márquez clocked 1:37.3 mins in the race in April 2026 under better conditions, whilst his brother Marc even managed 1:35.6 mins whilst chasing pole position.

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Aprilia also appears competitive with 850cc engines. On a dry track , Savadori – who only this week extended his test rider contract with the racing department in Noale – set the second-fastest lap time of 1:39.5 mins. The groundwork on the completely new bikes for the premier class is largely complete ahead of the Valencia test. The schedule leading up to 2027 is tight. Following a possible further December test in Jerez, the new equipment must be shipped to Malaysia as early as January. The start date for the major Sepang test marathon is 29 January.

Aprilia-Cheftester Lorenzo Savadori

Foto: Gold and Goose