MotoGP test in Barcelona: Bulega impressed – Max Biaggi was also in the mix

Whilst the regular MotoGP riders have headed off on their summer break following the Sachsenring weekend, the test teams are continuing to work on the bikes for the new era starting in 2027, featuring engines reduced from 1,000 to 850 cc, restricted aerodynamics and no height-adjustable suspension. Over the past few days, several manufacturers have been conducting private tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló.

Yamaha was the only manufacturer absent from Catalonia this time. Riding for Honda Racing Corporation – which oversees all factory entries for the world’s largest motorbike manufacturer – was the Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami, whilst at KTM, star test rider Dani Pedrosa was in the saddle of the new RC16. The Spaniard clocked a personal best time of 1:39.99 minutes on his home circuit, making him faster than Nakagami.

Ducati made the best impression

The Ducati Corse team made the best impression, with future VR46 MotoGP rider and Superbike World Championship leader Nicolo Bulega doing the job and impressing once again. The Superbike dominator clocked a best time of 1:39.23 minutes, coming within 1.6 seconds of Alex Márquez’s (Ducati) Barcelona record set in 2025. Bulega and Pedrosa were the only riders to break the 1:40 barrier.

Bulega has had a packed schedule over the past few weeks: ahead of the Superbike World Championship races at Donington Park, which took place at the same time as the Sachsenring GP, he was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday and at World Ducati Week the weekend before. As well as regular tests on the 850cc MotoGP Ducati, Bulega is also carrying out Superbike tests on Michelin tyres.

Speaking to SPEEDWEEK.com, the 26-year-old confirmed that he’s feeling a bit worn out: “Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent more time at events and riding motorbikes than at home. Okay, there are tougher things in life than riding motorbikes. But after a few days, your body needs a bit of a rest because it’s a very demanding sport. After this test, I’d like to treat myself to 15 or 20 days away from bikes.”

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Max Biaggi rode over 100 laps

There’s no holiday yet at Aprilia either: The Noale-based manufacturer was active in Barcelona with test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who clocked a time of 1:40.17 mins. Aprilia legend Max Biaggi, who was also recently at the Sachsenring, rode a standard RSV4. The 55-year-old completed more than 100 laps over the two days and clocked a best time of 1:44. This is important for Aprilia: thanks to his years in the Superbike World Championship – he was world champion in 2010 and 2012 – Biaggi has a wealth of experience with Pirelli tyres, which will be used in MotoGP from 2027 onwards.