Marco Bezzecchi
Michele Pirro may be a long way adrift of Marc Marquez’s Jerez benchmark on Ducati’s 2027 prototype, but the gap is likely to plummet in the next nine months.
The MotoGP rules are changing next year, with the 1000cc bikes giving way to 850cc with scaled-back aerodynamics and technology. The aims are to promote racing and improve rider safety by reducing corner speeds.
This week, the five manufacturers have been testing their 2027 motorcycles behind closed doors in Jerez. They have been lapping on Pirelli tyres as the Italian firm prepare to take over from Michelin.
How important will lap times be if the 2027 MotoGP regulations fail to improve the racing?
Michele Pirro is three seconds down on Marc Marquez’s pace in Jerez
Footage posted by Ducati test rider Pirro on social media shows him circulating at a pace of around 1:39. As pointed out by MOW, reigning world champion Marquez set a best time of 1:35.8 at the Jerez test last year – around 3.2 seconds quicker.
Looking at the Grand Prix weekend, Fabio Quartararo’s pole time was a 1:35.6, which was matched by Marquez within a few hundredths. In both cases, there was far more rubber laid down on the circuit.
- READ MORE: Marc Marquez thinks MotoGP’s new rules will fix top speed issue Pedro Acosta once called ‘insane’
One would imagine that putting Marquez on the bike rather than a 41-year-old Pirro would close the gap between the two generations of bikes further.
And with further tests scheduled amid constant development, the engineers will unlock significantly more speed before the 2027 season opener. The new bikes were expected to be multiple seconds slower per lap, but that no longer appears a certainty.
What else did we learn from the 2027 MotoGP test at Jerez?
Toprak Razgatlioglu was involved in this week’s test, taking advantage of Yamaha’s lowly concessions ranking. Razgatlioglu was reportedly seen using Michelin tyres as he continues the adaptation process.
The three-time World Superbikes champion will be crucial in the development of the Pirelli rubber given his unique experience with both tyre manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Aprilia caught the eye with an extreme exhaust design. The Noale outfit have been at the forefront of aerodynamic innovation recently, but this move is designed to optimise engine power.
In line with Formula 1, MotoGP will switch to sustainable fuels next year.
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