Pirelli has described their debut MotoGP test as a success after they put their tyres to the track with the MotoGP prototype bikes at Misano on Tuesday.

The Italian company will take over from Michelin as MotoGP’s main tyre supplier from 2027. This week’s test was the first time their tyres had been used on track with MotoGP bikes, giving both Pirelli and the teams an early chance to gather data under the new regulations.

To keep the process equal for all, each factory took part with one bike, ridden by their official test rider. That meant Augusto Fernandez for Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa for KTM, Takaaki Nakagami for Honda, Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia and Michele Pirro for Ducati.

The bikes were current-spec models but with ride height devices switched off and, in some cases, reduced engine power and different aerodynamics. These changes were made to bring the machines in line with the 2027 regulations.

Over the day, riders completed a variety of runs, including a sprint race simulation. Every team received seven sets of tyres, made up of two different front options and three rears.

The session was held behind closed doors with no fans or media present, but came just after a busy weekend at Misano, which hosted the San Marino Grand Prix and an official post-race test on Monday.

In a statement, Pirelli’s motorcycle racing director Giorgio Barbier said the first outing had met expectations:

“The test took place according to the run plan, which also included a sprint race simulation. The first feedback received is very encouraging – this test has generated a lot of data to be analysed in order to continue our development work of the MotoGP tyres.

The most appreciated features are definitely grip, warm-up speed and confidence. The Misano test was the first step in our return to the world championship, and we are very satisfied with the excellent working relationship that has been struck up between our engineers and all the teams.”

So, with the Misano test being just the beginning of a long development process, over the next two seasons Pirelli will develop its tyres to meet the demands of MotoGP and the new technical regulations.

And if Tuesday’s test is any indication, the transition from Michelin to Pirelli could be a smooth one, setting the stage for a new era of competition in 2027.