News summary
- Pol Espargaró expects a “drastic” change when Pirelli replaces Michelin in MotoGP in 2027.
- Moto2 and World Superbike riders could have a major advantage because they already race on Pirelli tires.
- The 2027 MotoGP revolution will also introduce 850cc prototypes, alongside the new tire supplier and a major reshuffle of the grid.
KTM test rider Pol Espargaró believes MotoGP will undergo a “drastic” change when the championship switches tire suppliers, with Pirelli replacing Michelin in the premier class of the World Championship from 2027.
Actively involved in the development of KTM’s new 850cc prototype, Pol has already had the opportunity to test the new tires and believes the change will be far greater than what MotoGP experienced in 2016, when the series switched from Bridgestone to Michelin.
The #44 also pointed out that Moto2 and World Superbike riders will have an advantage in 2027, as Pirelli is already the sole tire supplier in both categories.
“In 2027, everything will change with Pirelli. Moto2 and World Superbike riders will have an advantage,” Espargaró said. “I have the feeling that current riders don’t really realize the scale of the change that is coming,” he continued.
“The switch to Pirelli will be much more drastic than the change from Bridgestone to Michelin in 2016,” he compared. “The riders coming from Moto2 and the World Superbike Championship will have a huge advantage,” he insisted.
So far, Daniel Holgado, David Alonso and Izan Guevara are confirmed to move from Moto2 to MotoGP. In addition, Nicolò Bulega is expected to be confirmed at VR46. Guevara’s move to Pramac has already been confirmed, with the Spanish rider set to partner Toprak Razgatlıoğlu in 2027.
The current World Superbike Championship leader, meanwhile, could have an additional advantage in the transition. Besides having extensive experience with Pirelli tires in the production-based series, Bulega is also involved in the development of the Ducati Desmosedici GP27.
The tire change is part of the broader technical revolution coming to MotoGP in 2027, when the premier class will move from 1000cc to 850cc prototypes. Pirelli will become the exclusive tire supplier, replacing Michelin after the current supplier’s tenure that began in 2016.
Pirelli has already been developing its 2027 MotoGP tires through private and official tests. The manufacturer recently supplied 400 prototype tires at Aragón, with the full grid scheduled to gain access to the complete tire range at the post-season Valencia test on November 20.
The changes surrounding the new technical era are part of the wider 2027 MotoGP revolution, which also includes the reduction in engine displacement and a major shake-up of the rider market.
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 Championship.
For more MotoGP news and updates on the transition to the new technical regulations, follow the latest coverage in the MotoGP section of GRANDE PRÊMIO.
FAQ
1. When will Pirelli replace Michelin in MotoGP?
Pirelli will become MotoGP’s exclusive tire supplier from the 2027 season, replacing Michelin.
2. Why do Moto2 and World Superbike riders have an advantage?
Pirelli already supplies the tires used in Moto2 and World Superbike, meaning riders coming from those categories will have previous experience with the characteristics of Pirelli compounds before the 2027 MotoGP season begins.
3. What other major changes will MotoGP introduce in 2027?
The premier class will move from 1000cc to 850cc engines, while the tire supplier will change from Michelin to Pirelli. The rider lineup will also undergo significant changes as several Moto2 and World Superbike riders move into MotoGP.
Suggested tags
Pol Espargaró, MotoGP, Pirelli, Michelin, MotoGP 2027, Moto2, World Superbike, WSBK, KTM, 850cc, Daniel Holgado, David Alonso, Izan Guevara, Nicolò Bulega, Ducati
“A mudança para Pirelli será muito mais drástica do que a de Bridgestone para Michelin em 2016”, comparou. “Os pilotos que estão vindo da Moto2 e do Mundial de Superbike terão uma vantagem enorme”, garantiu.
Até aqui, os saltos de Daniel Holgado, David Alonso e Izan Guevara de Moto2 para MotoGP já estão confirmados. Além disso, a expectativa é de Nicolò Bulega seja confirmado na VR46.
O atual líder do Mundial de Superbike, aliás, vai ter vantagem nesse processo, já que além de ter a experiência com os pneus Pirelli na série das motos de produção, também está desenvolvendo a Desmosedici GP27.
A MotoGP volta a acelerar de 11 a 13 de setembro no GP de San Marino e da Riviera de Rimini, 14ª etapa da temporada 2026. O GRANDE PRÊMIO acompanha toda a programação do fim de semana, assim como as demais categorias do Mundial de Motovelocidade.
