Pirelli has outlined why its 850cc MotoGP tire growth program has moved from group testing to supporting producers’ personal testing actions.
Pirelli, which made its MotoGP debut within the multi-manufacturer check at Misano in September, was anticipated to host its second group race after the ultimate race of the season in Valencia.
Nevertheless, with the Misano check on the soon-to-be-defunct 1000cc machine deemed a hit, Pirelli has opted to attend for the producer to herald a track-spec 2027 850cc prototype.
Since every manufacturing unit works on a special schedule, it was not thought of sensible to arrange a separate collective check.
“Truly, it is a unusual begin as a result of I haven’t got a motorbike!” mentioned Giorgio Barbier, director of Pirelli Bike Racing. crash internet Preliminary check on a 1000cc machine.
Barbier was talking earlier than KTM turned the primary producer to take an 850cc bike to the observe at Jerez earlier this month. Honda then privately debuted its future MotoGP bike at Sepang final week.
It’s nonetheless unclear when the 850cc Ducatis, Aprilias and Yamahas will seem on the circuit, however some producers have prompt it may very well be a number of months away.
Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli
Misano check “Excellent, very attention-grabbing”
“Truly, we need to begin making ready for the 2027 season as quickly as potential, however the bike just isn’t there but,” continued Barbier on the remaining race in Valencia.
“So the velocity of growth (of the 850cc) by the completely different producers might be necessary. We’ve got to concentrate to this and observe this course of with the producers.”
“Our first job was to create a casing across the similar rim measurement that they presently use, which is completely different than what we’re used to, which suggests 4 inches within the entrance and 6.5 inches within the rear, however now we’re utilizing 3.5 inches and 6 inches.
“Then we wanted testing, so we requested Dorna, MSMA, the workforce and Michelin to permit us to check the present bike to search out out what was working.”
“They got here to Misano two days after the race and it was excellent. I did not imply to check, however the circumstances had been the identical.
“I solely had at some point, so I did not have a lot time to vary the bike setup.
“What we had been involved about was that these bikes had been the results of 11 years of utilizing opponents’ tires, and we all know that our tires are completely different than theirs, so perhaps placing them on them will not do us any good.”
Though the lap instances stay a carefully guarded secret, Barbier mentioned the outcomes had been higher than anticipated.
“In actual fact, the check was excellent and really attention-grabbing. The work of the workforce and the riders was nice for us. We had been additionally fortunate with the climate, so every thing labored completely.”
Because of this, Pirelli as soon as once more canceled plans for a follow-up check in Valencia utilizing a 1000cc bike and as a substitute determined to provide reference tires to the producer’s check workforce.
“The producer’s check workforce is presently making ready a calendar with all of the checks and circuits they’ve determined to make use of, and we might be following up all (personal) checks with them as a way to be totally ready for the subsequent Valencia (2026 post-season check).”
2025 Qatar Moto2 Grand Prix
“A course of you must undergo, like Moto2.”
Barbier acknowledged the “hen and egg” nature of creating new bikes and tires on the similar time, stressing that collaboration is essential.
If the producer wants extra information from Pirelli earlier than committing to an 850cc design, the Italian firm might be joyful to offer tires for 1000cc working.
“We perceive that they might must create a totally new chassis, engine, electronics and create completely different tires than they’ve been utilizing earlier than. So let’s work collectively.”
“Let me offer you an instance. In Moto2 in the beginning of final yr, the workforce had points with tire put on and such. However now we’re racing on a compound that’s two (grades) softer than we began with!”
“That is as a result of Moto2 groups have discovered the way to use tires and the way to get probably the most out of them. And it is a course of that we now have to undergo with MotoGP groups.”
The principle benefit of supporting personal testing somewhat than group driving is that Pirelli can gather information from a wider vary of circuits.
Requested how a lot Misano-spec tires will change for future checks, Barbier mentioned: “All of it depends upon the observe the workforce chooses.”
“I do know there are 4, 5, six tracks[nominated for private testing]and I’ve to go.
“This enables us to tailor the compounds and casings to their respective traits, guaranteeing that we’re not too particular in each location and provide the most effective prospects for driving and creating the bike.
“And on the similar time, we’ll proceed to build up expertise on these completely different tracks.”
Andrea Dovizioso, Sepang
Every producer can nominate as much as three present Grand Prix circuits for personal testing. Nevertheless, since Yamaha is ranked D concession, they’ll check at any GP venue as much as 14 days earlier than the occasion.
Fashionable check venues embrace Jerez, Misano and Aragon, with Japanese factories additionally utilizing Sepang and Tegi.
“When the producer is prepared for personal testing, they’ll undoubtedly name us,” Barbier mentioned.
“If the producers conform to share the prices on the race observe, some or all of them could check collectively. In any other case, we’ll observe the producers individually wherever they need to go.”
“Maybe the Japanese specifically will attempt to do one thing in (Asia) in the course of the winter, however (2026) testing could begin somewhat later in Europe.
“However we’re open to wherever they need to go.”
