Enea Bastianini is calling for a change to MotoGP’s testing rules ahead of the championship’s major technical reset in 2027. The series will move to 850cc motorcycles, bringing revised aerodynamics, new Pirelli tyres and the removal of ride-height devices. The change is therefore broader than engine capacity alone, and the number of laps available before racing begins could have a significant effect on how quickly each rider understands the new package.

Bastianini faces the clearest disadvantage because he is changing manufacturers. He will leave Tech3 KTM for Trackhouse Aprilia, yet he has not ridden an 850cc motorcycle. His first opportunity is expected at the post-season Valencia test next month. By the Sepang test next February, he is therefore expected to have only one day on his 2027 machine, while other riders will already have several days of preparation.

A growing gap in 850cc experience

The official running described so far has taken place at Brno and the Red Bull Ring. Marc Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer have ridden Ducati’s new 850cc machine, Toprak Razgatlioglu has tested Yamaha’s bike, and Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez have sampled the Aprilia. Diogo Moreira has also completed laps on Honda’s motorcycle. Luca Marini and Joan Mir have ridden the Honda as well, while Pedro Acosta has tested the new KTM, even though those three riders are changing manufacturers for next season.

Nicolo Bulega has built the greatest level of preparation among the 2027 race riders, with mileage accumulated as Ducati’s official test rider in several private sessions since spring. As a rookie, he is also expected to be eligible for the Sepang Shakedown before the official test, giving him another opportunity to learn the motorcycle he will race. Riders including Jorge Martin, Ai Ogura, Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are among those who have not ridden in the official tests described.

Bastianini’s Sepang proposal

Bastianini wants full-time riders changing manufacturers to be allowed to ride on both days of the 2027 Sepang Shakedown. The extra running would help compensate for the limited opportunity some of them have had to work with the new motorcycles during the preparation period. He says the proposal has made no progress so far and should continue to be discussed with the other riders. His argument is that it is unfair to send some competitors into race conditions after only a handful of laps while others have already completed substantially more testing.