Ducati’s first run with 850cc MotoGP bike was “very good”, says Gigi Dall’Igna

Ducati boss Gigi Dall’Igna says there were encouraging early signs from the brand’s 2027 MotoGP prototype, as it presses ahead with the development of the GP27.

After KTM, Honda and Yamaha had already put their 2027 machines on track, Ducati became the latest MotoGP manufacturer to test its 850cc bike for the new technical era, which begins next year.

The Italian marque carried out a shakedown at Misano on 13 April, with test rider Michele Pirro tasked with ensuring everything was working as expected ahead of a more comprehensive test programme.

Motorsport.com asked Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna in Jerez on Wednesday about Pirro’s first impressions of the Desmosedici GP27.

“The first impression of the bike was very good,” said the Italian engineer. “Everything worked well and the bike is ready for further testing.”

Those next steps will come quickly, with Ducati set to run the bike again next week at Mugello, located close to its Borgo Panigale factory.

“We will carry out a test next week,” Dall’Igna confirmed, with Pirro again expected to lead the programme.

Ducati renewed Nicolo Bulega’s contract last year, incorporating a MotoGP test role alongside his World Superbike duties. However, despite his dominant start to the 2026 WSBK season, the Italian will have to wait a little longer before riding the 2027 prototype.

The Bologna-based manufacturer believes Bulega’s experience with Pirelli tyres in Superbike could prove valuable for development, particularly as MotoGP switches to the Italian supplier in 2027. His current form and speed are also seen as assets, especially as Pirro approaches his 40th birthday.

Regarding the specification Pirro will test at Mugello across two days, Dall’Igna confirmed Ducati will run a near-complete package.

“He will have everything we currently have available,” he said. “The new 850cc engine, the aerodynamics, without ride-height devices… basically the full package.”

Pirro will also test Pirelli’s prototype tyres for 2027, along with the new fully sustainable fuel mandated by the regulations, developed in collaboration with Shell.

First official in-season test

This weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez will be followed by the first official in-season test on Monday, with all MotoGP teams in action. Moto2 and Moto3 squads will then take to the track on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Alongside Ducati, Honda is also scheduled to test next week at Mugello, relying on Takaaki Nakagami as its sole fully fit test rider following Aleix Espargaro’s injury. The Japanese rider is currently juggling development duties for both the 2026 1000cc bike and the 2027 prototype, which he first ran at Sepang in December.

While Ducati and Honda have opted for Mugello, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia will conduct their tests at Jerez on Thursday and Friday after the grand prix and official sessions. This means they will benefit from heavily rubbered-in track conditions, which could influence performance comparisons.

Despite that, Aprilia has chosen Jerez to debut its 2027 prototype for the first time, marking another key milestone in preparations for MotoGP’s next era.

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— The Motorsport.com Team