Francesco Bagnaia has expressed concerns about MotoGP's approach to early 2027 testing, particularly regarding the development of the championship's new Pirelli tyres.
The Ducati rider will not participate in the upcoming Brno test featuring the new-generation 850cc MotoGP machines and Pirelli tyres, a decision linked to his expected move to a rival manufacturer in 2027. While Bagnaia understands why teams may be reluctant to allow departing riders access to future bike projects, he believes the situation is more complicated when tyre development is involved.
The Brno test represents one of the first opportunities for riders to provide feedback on the tyres that will be introduced alongside MotoGP's sweeping 2027 regulation changes. However, several high-profile riders are expected to miss out on the session due to contractual and competitive considerations.
Bagnaia's main concern is not the new motorcycles themselves but the limited testing opportunities available for Pirelli. Riders who do not participate at Brno are expected to get their first experience of the tyres at the post-season Valencia test in December.
According to the Italian, that timeline could make meaningful evaluation difficult. Testing in Valencia at the end of the year typically brings colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours and less representative track conditions, reducing the amount of useful data teams and tyre engineers can gather.
Bagnaia believes this could impact the quality of feedback available during a crucial phase of development as MotoGP prepares for one of the biggest technical changes in its modern history.
The situation has also highlighted differing approaches among manufacturers. Honda has reportedly allowed riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini to participate in testing despite uncertainty surrounding their future plans, while KTM is expected to permit Pedro Acosta to ride its 2027 prototype as well.
By contrast, Ducati has chosen a more cautious route, limiting access to future machinery for riders who are set to leave the manufacturer.
Source: Kompas Otomotif
Bagnaia suggested there could be a compromise that benefits everyone involved. Rather than granting access to new motorcycles, riders could test the Pirelli tyres on their current MotoGP bikes, allowing the tyre supplier to collect valuable feedback without exposing sensitive development information to rival teams.
Such an arrangement would provide Pirelli with input from some of the championship's most experienced riders while protecting manufacturers' competitive interests.
As MotoGP moves toward a new era featuring 850cc engines and a new tyre supplier, the debate highlights the challenge of balancing competitive secrecy with the need for effective development. For Bagnaia, ensuring Pirelli receives as much high-quality feedback as possible should be a priority if the sport wants a smooth transition when the new regulations arrive in 2027.
Whether changes are made remains to be seen, but the discussion has already drawn attention to one of the key challenges facing MotoGP's next generation.
