News summary
- MotoGP has announced the 2027 pre-season testing calendar, with sessions scheduled in Malaysia and Thailand.
- Sepang will host the shakedown and the first full-grid test, while Buriram will host a second test before the season launch.
- The 2027 season launch will take place in Rio de Janeiro on February 21, at Botafogo Beach, ahead of the new 850cc era.
MotoGP announced the 2027 pre-season testing calendar on Wednesday (2). As in recent years, preparations for the championship that will mark the debut of the new 850cc bikes will take place in Malaysia and Thailand.
The testing phase will begin with the traditional shakedown, reserved for test riders and rookies, at the Sepang International Circuit on January 29 and 30. The full grid will then gather from January 31 to February 1 for the first full-field test of the year.
Shortly afterward, on February 6 and 7, the MotoGP field will move to Buriram for the second round of pre-season testing.
The 2027 testing program will be particularly important as MotoGP enters a major technical transition. The premier class will move from 1000cc to 850cc prototypes, while also introducing Pirelli as the exclusive tire supplier. The new technical era has already generated considerable discussion across the paddock, including concerns about how significantly the characteristics of the new tires will affect current riders.
Next, on February 21, MotoGP will arrive in Rio de Janeiro for the 2027 season launch event, which will take place at Botafogo Beach. The Brazilian city was officially selected to host the presentation earlier this year, with Sugarloaf Mountain providing the backdrop for the event.
The move to Rio marks another major step in MotoGP’s return to Brazil. The championship’s 2027 launch will also serve as a showcase for the beginning of the 850cc era, making the event particularly significant for teams, manufacturers and riders.
In addition to revealing the MotoGP testing schedule, the World Motorcycle Championship also announced the dates for the Moto3 and Moto2 pre-season programs.
Moto2, which will receive an updated Triumph engine next year, will hold a private test at Jerez de la Frontera on February 16 and 17. The official test is scheduled for February 20 and 21, also at the Spanish circuit.
Moto3 riders, meanwhile, will have only one official pre-season test, scheduled for February 18 and 19 at Jerez.
The 2027 pre-season will therefore provide the first comprehensive opportunity for teams and riders to adapt to the new technical regulations. The arrival of Pirelli as MotoGP’s exclusive tire supplier will be another key element of the transition, with the manufacturer already conducting development work ahead of its debut.
MotoGP 2027 pre-season calendar
- January 29-30: MotoGP | Shakedown: Sepang, Malaysia
- January 31-February 1: MotoGP | Pre-season test: Sepang, Malaysia
- February 6-7: MotoGP | Pre-season test: Buriram, Thailand
- February 16-17: Moto2 | Private test: Jerez, Spain
- February 18-19: Moto3 | Pre-season test: Jerez, Spain
- February 20-21: Moto2 | Pre-season test: Jerez, Spain
- February 21: MotoGP | 2027 season launch: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Thai GP will then open the 2027 MotoGP season from March 5 to 7 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Thailand will host the season opener for the third consecutive year, with the race also marking the competitive debut of the new 850cc motorcycles.
MotoGP returns to action from September 11 to 13 at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP, the 14th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide complete coverage of the weekend, as well as all other classes of the World Motorcycle Championship.
For more updates on the new technical era, follow the latest news in the MotoGP section of GRANDE PRÊMIO.
FAQ
1. When will MotoGP begin 2027 pre-season testing?
The 2027 MotoGP pre-season will begin with the Sepang shakedown on January 29-30, followed by a full-grid test at the Malaysian circuit from January 31 to February 1.
2. Where will MotoGP conduct its 2027 pre-season tests?
The premier class will test at Sepang in Malaysia and Buriram in Thailand. Moto2 and Moto3 will conduct their pre-season testing at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.
3. When will the 2027 MotoGP season launch take place?
The official 2027 MotoGP season launch will take place on February 21 in Rio de Janeiro, at Botafogo Beach. The event will precede the start of the new 850cc technical era.
