MotoGP Testing 2027: Why the Riders Only Get Five Days on the 850s

• Valencia test on 1 December 2026, Sepang from 29 January to 1 February, Buriram on 6 and 7 February 2027
• Shakedown and official Sepang test each cut from three days to two, with no break in between
• Season launch on 21 February at Botafogo beach in Rio de Janeiro, first race from 5 to 7 March in Buriram

The schedule for the start of the new MotoGP era is set. After the already confirmed season opener in Buriram, the promoter has now also announced the dates for all official tests in the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes. At first glance the calendar follows the familiar pattern with Sepang and Buriram. A closer look shows, however, that the series is noticeably cutting back its test programme while at the same time almost everything about the bikes is changing.

When do the 2027 MotoGP tests take place?

The pre-season begins on 1 December 2026 with the one-day test in Valencia. The actual testing phase follows at the end of January 2027 in Sepang, before the final outing ahead of the season start takes place in Buriram on 6 and 7 February.

The complete schedule at a glance:

• Valencia test: 1 December 2026, on the Tuesday after the season finale
• Shakedown test in Sepang: 29 and 30 January 2027, for factory test riders and rookies only
• Official Sepang test: 31 January and 1 February 2027, for the entire field
• Buriram test: 6 and 7 February 2027
• Season launch: 21 February 2027 in Rio de Janeiro
• Grand Prix of Thailand: 5 to 7 March 2027 in Buriram

The Valencia test carries particular significance. It is where the new rider pairings sit on the 850cc prototypes with Pirelli tyres for the first time. It is also the first public appearance of the new machines. Until now, all running with the 850s has taken place behind closed doors, because Michelin remains the official tyre supplier until the end of 2026. How much the teams can learn in Valencia is another matter. In early December the usable track time remains limited, because mornings and evenings can turn distinctly cold at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, even when 20 degrees are reached during the day.

What changes in the test programme compared with previous years?

MotoGP is cutting both Sepang dates from three days to two each and is scrapping the previous rest day in between. The second test in Buriram also moves forward by a month.

Until now the programme in Malaysia ran across at least eight days: one build-up day, three days of shakedown, one free day, three days of official testing and finally the pack-down. Five days are left of that. Anyone allowed to ride at both the shakedown and the official test, meaning test riders and rookies, is therefore on track on four consecutive days. Money is likely the main reason behind the reduction. The manufacturers and the teams association IRTA have to rent the circuit for a considerably shorter period, which means a substantial saving.

The second major change concerns Buriram. In recent years the final test took place at the same venue directly before the opening race. In 2027 it sits a full month earlier, just one week after Sepang. According to reports, the manufacturers themselves pushed for this earlier date in order to gain more time for changes to the bikes before the first race.

The short gap between the two Asian tests also has a downside. Previously there were several weeks between the two dates. The factories could analyse the data from Sepang and travel to Thailand with new parts. With one week in between that is no longer possible, as there simply is not enough time.

How many test days do the riders get with the new 850s?

The regular riders who are not rookies end up with exactly five official test days on the 850cc machines with Pirelli tyres: one in Valencia, two in Sepang and two in Buriram. Rookies are additionally allowed to ride at the shakedown, but lose two days compared with the old format.

That is remarkable because almost everything changes in 2027. Displacement drops from 1,000 to 850 cubic centimetres, Pirelli replaces Michelin as tyre supplier, the fairings become smaller and the ride-height devices disappear. On top of that, many riders are switching manufacturer over the winter and have to get used not only to the new rules but also to a completely different bike.

The factories do not head into the winter entirely without preparation, though. Private tests with the 850s have been running at many manufacturers since the beginning of 2026. After the Grand Prix of Czechia there was also an official test at Brno without media present, and another follows in a good two weeks after the Austrian race at the Red Bull Ring. Together with Valencia that adds up to three official 850cc tests with Pirelli tyres before the 2027 calendar year even begins.

Letting the rookies ride at the shakedown is common practice, but it could cause debate in 2027. The newcomers come from Moto2 or the Superbike World Championship and already know the Pirelli tyres from their previous series. Some in the paddock see that as a built-in advantage over the established MotoGP riders.

What does the early Buriram test mean for the engines?

The engines are frozen, meaning homologated, at the first race as usual. The early test in Thailand therefore gives the manufacturers four weeks to finalise their engines before that deadline.

Unlike in the current season, all manufacturers start 2027 in the same concession rank B. That affects Yamaha and Honda above all, who currently run in rank D and enjoy greater development freedom there. They too have to lock in their engine design for 2027 at the season opener. Concession status is then reassessed over the summer break.

How do Moto2 and Moto3 test ahead of the 2027 season?

Both junior classes test exclusively at Jerez in 2027 and each get only one official test. Moto2 additionally receives a two-day private test.

The dates at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto:

• Moto2 private test: 16 and 17 February 2027
• Official Moto3 test: 18 and 19 February 2027
• Official Moto2 test: 20 and 21 February 2027

The additional Moto2 private test has a technical reason. Triumph is bringing a new engine for 2027 that is said to be around 2 kg (roughly 4.4 lbs) lighter and more powerful than the current unit. The powerplant is currently completing its first test at Motorland Aragón.

After the Buriram test the entire MotoGP paddock moves to Rio de Janeiro for the season launch on 21 February. The presentation of all teams and riders takes place at Botafogo beach before the circus travels back to Thailand. There, from 5 to 7 March, the Grand Prix of Thailand opens the first season under the new rules, which will apply until 2031.

➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: 2026 MotoGP Season: The Complete Overview – Teams, Riders, Calendar & Championship Standings. Find all key information on this topic in one place.

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➜ More on this topic in our overview: 2027 MotoGP Season: The Complete Overview.