Ducati boss Gigi Dall’Igna says there have been encouraging early indicators from the model’s 2027 MotoGP prototype, because it presses forward with the event of the GP27.
After KTM, Honda and Yamaha had already put their 2027 machines on observe, Ducati turned the most recent MotoGP producer to check its 850cc bike for the brand new technical period, which begins subsequent 12 months.
The Italian marque carried out a shakedown at Misano on 13 April, with take a look at rider Michele Pirro tasked with making certain every little thing was working as anticipated forward of a extra complete take a look at programme.
Motorsport.com requested Ducati common supervisor Gigi Dall’Igna in Jerez on Wednesday about Pirro’s first impressions of the Desmosedici GP27.
“The primary impression of the bike was superb,” stated the Italian engineer. “Every part labored nicely and the bike is prepared for additional testing.”
These subsequent steps will come shortly, with Ducati set to run the bike once more subsequent week at Mugello, situated near its Borgo Panigale manufacturing facility.
“We’ll perform a take a look at subsequent week,” Dall’Igna confirmed, with Pirro once more anticipated to guide the programme.
Ducati renewed Nicolo Bulega’s contract final 12 months, incorporating a MotoGP take a look at position alongside his World Superbike duties. Nevertheless, regardless of his dominant begin to the 2026 WSBK season, the Italian should wait slightly longer earlier than using the 2027 prototype.
The Bologna-based producer believes Bulega’s expertise with Pirelli tyres in Superbike might show helpful for improvement, notably as MotoGP switches to the Italian provider in 2027. His present kind and pace are additionally seen as property, particularly as Pirro approaches his fortieth birthday.
Concerning the specification Pirro will take a look at at Mugello throughout two days, Dall’Igna confirmed Ducati will run a near-complete package deal.
“He may have every little thing we presently have obtainable,” he stated. “The brand new 850cc engine, the aerodynamics, with out ride-height gadgets… principally the complete package deal.”
Pirro may also take a look at Pirelli’s prototype tyres for 2027, together with the brand new absolutely sustainable gas mandated by the rules, developed in collaboration with Shell.
Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Crew
Picture by: Gold and Goose Pictures / LAT Photos / by way of Getty Photos
First official in-season take a look at
This weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez might be adopted by the primary official in-season take a look at on Monday, with all MotoGP groups in motion. Moto2 and Moto3 squads will then take to the observe on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Alongside Ducati, Honda can be scheduled to check subsequent week at Mugello, counting on Takaaki Nakagami as its sole absolutely match take a look at rider following Aleix Espargaro’s damage. The Japanese rider is presently juggling improvement duties for each the 2026 1000cc bike and the 2027 prototype, which he first ran at Sepang in December.
Whereas Ducati and Honda have opted for Mugello, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia will conduct their checks at Jerez on Thursday and Friday after the grand prix and official classes. This implies they are going to profit from closely rubbered-in observe situations, which might affect efficiency comparisons.
Regardless of that, Aprilia has chosen Jerez to debut its 2027 prototype for the primary time, marking one other key milestone in preparations for MotoGP’s subsequent period.
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