MotoGP has officially unveiled its pre-season testing calendar for the 2027 season, marking the inaugural year of the new 850cc era. This announcement comes with a significant reduction in testing days, posing a challenge for teams and riders as they adapt to the new machinery.
The winter testing kicks off with the Valencia Test scheduled for December 1, 2026, where riders will have their first opportunity to familiarize themselves with the all-new 850cc bikes at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Following this initial session, the testing schedule will follow the traditional pattern of Sepang and Buriram, albeit with fewer days allocated for practice.
The Sepang Shakedown, which is exclusive to factory test riders and rookies, will take place on January 29-30, 2027. This will be immediately followed by the first official Sepang Test for the entire grid, occurring on January 31 and February 1, without any rest day in between. Notably, both tests in Malaysia have been shortened from three days to just two. This adjustment means that some riders will be on track for four consecutive days, while rookies will face a significant reduction in valuable preparation time ahead of the season opener.
The final testing phase will shift to Buriram on February 6-7, 2027. This marks a significant change from previous years, where the Thai test typically occurred right before the season opener. For the upcoming season, the Buriram test has been moved forward by approximately a month. According to reports, manufacturers requested this earlier date to allow additional time for machine modifications prior to the start of the championship. However, this change results in a compressed timeline between the Sepang and Buriram tests, leaving little opportunity for teams to react to the performance data gathered in Malaysia.
In total, the revised testing schedule allows for just six days of testing, with non-rookies having only four days to prepare. In contrast, rookies will have eight days, while other riders had nine days in the previous winter testing schedule. This condensed preparation period raises the stakes for all competitors as they transition to the new regulations.
The 2027 season brings several significant changes, including the transition to 850cc engines, updates to chassis and electronics, and a new tire supplier in Pirelli. Engine homologation and initial aerodynamic packages will be locked in during the first round, and all manufacturers will begin the new era in B concession rank. Yamaha and Honda, currently in rank D, will need to finalize their initial engine designs for the 2027 season.
Additionally, the ceremonial Season Launch will take place at Botafogo Beach in Rio de Janeiro on February 21, 2027, before the season officially kicks off with the Thai Grand Prix at Buriram from March 5-7. The complete calendar for the 2027 MotoGP season has yet to be released, but the anticipation is already building as teams prepare for a transformative year in motorcycle racing.
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