On 21 September 2026, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg hosted the concluding Pirelli test of the 2026 MotoGP calendar. Eighteen riders took to the circuit on the brand-new 850 cc prototypes slated for 2027, all fitted with the latest Pirelli slicks. The session offered a rare glimpse of how the new chassis-engine combination will behave on Austrian asphalt, while also revealing which riders and manufacturers were granted track time.
Who was on the grid at Spielberg?
The entry list blended confirmed MotoGP riders, test riders, and a handful of wildcard participants. Notably, KTM invited Pedro Acosta to ride its 2027 bike despite his upcoming switch to Ducati – a special permission earned after his impressive podium on Sunday. In contrast, Yamaha and Aprilia chose to shield their departing riders, excluding them from the day’s program. Among the 18 riders were Marco Bezzecchi, Raul Fernandez, and several test riders who had previously run 1000 cc machines adapted for the new regulations. Several prominent names such as Fabio Quartararo, Jorge Martin, and Pecco Bagnaia were absent, reflecting each factory’s contractual priorities.
Pirelli’s new slick range under scrutiny
Pirelli supplied three distinct compounds – soft, medium and hard – for both front and rear wheels. The tyre manufacturer praised the collective feedback, stating, “Siamo soddisfatti del risultato dei test in Austria” and adding that riders “hanno potuto valutare le mescole slick morbide, medie e dure.” The consensus highlighted strong grip levels and impressive stability across the board, especially on the fast, sweeping bends of the Ring. Test riders confirmed that the new compounds delivered consistent performance from low to high temperatures, a crucial factor as teams prepare for the varying climates of the 2027 calendar.
Strategic choices behind the line-up
The test also illuminated the strategic maneuvers of the factories. KTM, echoing its approach at Brno earlier in June, placed Acosta on its 2027 prototype, while Yamaha opted to field up to four machines, including a slot for Toprak Razgatlıoglu and Moto2 graduate Izan Guevara who is slated to step up with Pramac in 2027. Ducati’s test roster featured a mix of established riders and test pilots, though Nicolò Bulega withdrew after a crash at Mugello and to focus on his WorldSBK title fight in Cremona. His absence sparked discussion, particularly after Pol Espargaró argued that Bulega’s extensive testing would give him a decisive edge over rivals like Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta in the forthcoming season.
What lies ahead: final evaluations and pre-season plans
With the Red Bull Ring session wrapped, the next milestone is the official pre-season test scheduled for 1 December at Valencia. That event will allow the full MotoGP grid to assess the fresh tyre allocation before the season opens. A further Pirelli evaluation is set for Cheste after the Valencia Grand Prix, ensuring that every rider can provide feedback on the coloured-coded compound markings introduced for 2027. Meanwhile, the June 22 private test at Brno – the first of the two official 2026 tyre tests – saw Aprilia’s riders dip below the 1’54” barrier, underscoring the pace potential of the new machinery. As teams refine setups and riders acclimate to the novel tyre behaviour, the Austrian test will be remembered as a pivotal data-gathering session that shaped the technical narrative for next year’s premier class.
