Ducati hit Misano this week for the first public shakedown of its new 850cc prototype. Veteran test rider Michele Pirro debuted the Desmosedici GP27 during a private event. The machine features simplified aerodynamics and zero ride height devices to meet 2027 regulations. Pirelli tyres also made an appearance. This move confirms the Italian factory remains ahead of the technical curve. 

Alex Marquez remains a core part of Ducati development despite his confirmed 2027 move to KTM. The Gresini rider currently works on the GP26 machine to help the Italian brand catch a dominant Aprilia. Marquez believes his future switch will not limit his technical influence. Ducati continues to trust the 2025 runner up as they fight to regain the MotoGP crown. 

Nicolo Bulega may find it difficult to secure a Ducati MotoGP seat for 2027 despite testing the brand’s future 850cc prototype and showing strong form in World Superbike. Most Desmosedici seats are expected to remain occupied under current contracts, leaving limited opportunities for the Italian rider to move into MotoGP in the next rider market cycle.

KTM boss Pit Beirer has launched a furious attack on MotoGP’s tyre pressure rules, calling them “simply absurd” after Pedro Acosta was dropped from third to eighth in the COTA Sprint with an eight second post race penalty. Beirer told Speedweek the rule “needs to be changed or abolished.” Even the FIM president admitted on the grid the rule needs immediate reform.

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has hinted that change could be beneficial for Francesco Bagnaia as the two time world champion prepares to leave Ducati and join Aprilia for 2027. Bagnaia’s place at Aprilia is widely understood to be set, with the Bologna factory moving on as Acosta arrives. After crashing out of Brazil and struggling at Austin, 2026 has been one of Bagnaia’s most difficult seasons.

Jorge Martin has warned that Ducati will return to normal at the Spanish GP, saying at Jerez everything will return to normal as the European season begins. Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna branded the US GP a wake up call for the Italian manufacturer, which has just one Sunday Grand Prix podium from the opening three rounds.

Marc Marquez has been training on a Ducati Panigale V2 during the break between Austin and Jerez as he focuses on his shoulder recovery. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed the Bologna factory copied Aprilia’s rear wing concept at COTA, introducing new leg wings to the GP26. The Spanish GP at Jerez runs April 24 to 26., Marquez’s first home race of 2026.

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro has shaken down the Bologna factory’s 850cc MotoGP prototype at Misano, with Pirelli sending personnel and 2027 tyre development compounds to support the test. Ducati join KTM and Honda in having run their 850cc prototype on track, leaving Aprilia as the only manufacturer yet to do so. Aprilia’s RS-GP27 debut is expected at a private Jerez test after the Spanish Grand Prix.

Official rider announcements for 2027 remain on hold because the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association and MotoGP Sports Entertainment have yet to sign a new commercial agreement covering the next five years. Despite widespread reports of done deals involving Marquez, Acosta, Martin, Ogura and Alonso, managers confirm there are no written offers in place for several riders still waiting on the market to move.