Ducati’s new 850cc MotoGP prototype appeared at the Red Bull Ring during Pirelli’s final in-season test of 2026. The programme brought together 850cc machines and modified 1,000cc bikes, with 18 riders taking part in total. The prototype offers an early indication of how Ducati is approaching the technical framework that will arrive in MotoGP in 2027.

Visordown’s account of the test highlights the front end. The fairing appears to retain roughly the same size, while Ducati’s winglets have been cut back substantially. That visual change reflects the direction of the 2027 rules, which will place tighter limits on aerodynamics and ban ride-height devices. It gives a useful first look at how the reduction in aerodynamic freedom may affect the next generation of MotoGP machinery.

A wide rider line-up

Ducati was joined by 850cc bikes from Aprilia, Yamaha, Honda and KTM. Toprak Razgatlioglu, Raul Fernandez, Pedro Acosta, Fermin Aldeguer, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez were all present on Monday, and all six had also taken part in Pirelli’s 850cc test at Brno in June. Visordown also identifies Acosta as the only rider changing his current team who attended both sessions.

Honda’s group had changed since the earlier running. Luca Marini and Joan Mir were absent ahead of their respective 2027 moves to Tech3 KTM and Gresini Ducati, leaving Diogo Moreira and Johann Zarco to carry out the Japanese manufacturer’s testing duties. Jack Miller, Brad Binder and Franco Morbidelli also completed the session, despite all three being set to leave MotoGP at the end of 2026. Miller and Binder have been confirmed as WorldSBK riders for next season. Morbidelli is expected to follow them by replacing Nicolo Bulega at the factory Ducati team.

Pirelli’s route to 2027

The participation of those three riders came despite a tyre change ahead: they will use Michelin next season, as Michelin replaces Pirelli in MotoGP. Pirelli’s work remains strategically important because the company is preparing to become the premier class’s exclusive supplier, extending a role it already fulfils in Moto2 and Moto3.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli’s Motorcycle Racing Director, described the Red Bull Ring running as another stage in developing the company’s 2027 range. The programme includes collective sessions and private work with manufacturers before the first official 2027 tests in Valencia in early December. All of next season’s race riders are scheduled to participate there, providing the next major checkpoint for the new package.