MotoGP test in Brno on Monday: Different strategic decisions

Following the Czech Republic Grand Prix, another important test for the upcoming 850cc era is on the agenda today, Monday. A total of ten bikes from Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM and Yamaha will be on track with restricted aerodynamics, without height-adjustable suspension and fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The test is being organised privately by Pirelli behind closed doors; no reporters or photographers are permitted. The manufacturers were asked to provide two bikes each. When it came to selecting the riders, we saw very different approaches. Aprilia, Ducati and Yamaha decided to let only those riders take part who will be riding their bikes next year as well.

Alongside World Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia is having the Spaniard Raúl Fernández test the bikes, which is a further strong indication that Trackhouse will continue with him. Ducati is fielding World Champion Marc Márquez and Gresini ace Fermín Aldeguer. Of this year’s Yamaha quartet, only Toprak Razgatlioglu remains for 2027; the Turkish rider will be supported by test rider Augusto Fernandez.

It’s a completely different story at KTM: racing director Pit Beirer wants the fastest rider on the RC16 so he can assess its potential as accurately as possible. The former Motocross World Championship runner-up is not fazed by the fact that Pedro Acosta will be racing for the Ducati factory team in 2027 and 2028. The second bike will be shared by test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, so they can gather as much feedback as possible.

Honda is taking a similar approach, putting former world champion Joan Mir and Luca Marini through their paces, neither of whom will be with the Japanese manufacturer in 2027. As Johann Zarco remains injured and is sidelined for an indefinite period, and the fast rookie Diogo Moreira has hardly any experience on MotoGP bikes, HRC is also having to swallow the bitter pill that Mir and Marini will take away valuable insights into the competition.

Topic of the week

The 2027 Formula 1 grid: Will the transfer bombshell only drop in the autumn?

Summertime, holiday season, the silly season: these are the weeks when the most outrageous driver changes are usually discussed. The big news for the 2027 season is yet to materialise.

Mathias Brunner

Read more

TV program

Tomorrow

Silverstone: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

07.08.2026 - 10:55

Participants in the Pirelli test at Brno (22 June):