KTM does not expect Nicolò Bulega’s current advantage with the new 850cc MotoGP machinery to shape the whole opening phase of 2027. Bulega already knows Pirelli tyres from WorldSBK and has accumulated substantial mileage on Ducati’s 850cc prototype as a test rider. That gives him a head start over several riders who will not make their first MotoGP laps on Pirelli before Valencia.

Pit Beirer accepts that Ducati and Bulega have built a particularly strong combination, especially at circuits where the Italian has already worked with the new machine. KTM test rider Pol Espargaró called the potential opening advantage unfair, but Beirer expects it to survive only briefly. Once every manufacturer begins developing its 2027 bike with its race riders and test programme, he expects the rest of the field to make rapid progress and reduce the difference.

Why Acosta was put back on the prototype

Pedro Acosta rode KTM’s 850cc prototype again on Pirelli tyres during the test held after the Austrian Grand Prix. The choice was notable because Acosta will join Ducati’s factory team next season. KTM nevertheless wanted a reference from the strongest rider currently available within its group, giving its engineers a useful benchmark for the bike’s development. Unofficial timing from the closed test reportedly placed Acosta joint second, behind Honda’s Diogo Moreira.

KTM was the only manufacturer to put a future rival on its 850cc prototype at the Red Bull Ring. Honda had already allowed Joan Mir and Luca Marini to ride its machine at Brno in June. KTM is also preparing the project through its test riders Pol Espargaró and Dani Pedrosa; Beirer specifically pointed to a strong earlier test by Espargaró at Mugello.

An uneven starting point with Pirelli

Alex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are among nine riders on the 2027 grid who will have to wait until Valencia for their first MotoGP laps on Pirelli tyres. Beirer acknowledges that the mileage difference cannot be made fair immediately, since riders changing teams will not all receive the same testing opportunities.

The Sepang Shakedown regulations will remain unchanged, limiting participation to rookies, including Bulega, and test riders. Established MotoGP riders will instead be able to train on Pirelli tyres fitted to production motorcycles. Bulega has said that his work has stayed within the rules and that Ducati’s 850cc machine is being developed for its factory riders, not exclusively around him. The next official 850cc and Pirelli test is scheduled after the Valencia finale, when the full 2027 grid is expected to share the track for the first time.