In 2027, new technical regulations will come into force in MotoGP, with 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, the removal of dynamic ride-height devices, and what everyone points to as the most significant change: Michelin will leave the championship, and Pirelli will become the new sole tyre supplier.
The Milan manufacturer held a test with its first prototypes in Misano last September, and in 2026 it will carry out new tests to finish defining the compounds it will produce for MotoGP. During the recent Valencia GP, Autosport sat down with Giorgio Barbier, racing director of Pirelli’s motorcycle division, the engineer leading the arrival of the Italian company in the premier class.
Q. What stage are you currently at in the MotoGP tyre creation process?
Q. What stage are you currently at in the MotoGP tyre creation process?
A. We’re in the initial phase, considering that we’re starting a new project with specific dimensions for MotoGP, which uses larger rims than WorldSBK. On the other hand, we need to manage very carefully the batches we’ll deliver to the different manufacturers, so they can carry out the relevant tests and develop the bikes throughout next season.
Q. A few months ago, a test was held in Misano. Another one was scheduled for Valencia, right after the last grand prix, but it didn’t take place.
A. The Misano test went very well, and I didn't want to question it because it was carried out in perfect conditions: two days after the MotoGP race, with the same weather, and a rubbered track. The day before (Monday), they carried out the collective test (IRTA), so everything was perfect in terms of reference points. Arriving with our tyres mounted on the bikes as is, without being able to make many adjustments, provided good information for us, for the manufacturers, and for the teams. In this way, we established the benchmark we wanted to continue working with. Once the season is over, we can start testing the 850cc bikes, so from now on we needed to have tyres to deliver to the manufacturers that are ready to test the benchmark that worked well in Misano; that's the tyre we'll start with in the next tests.
Q. Before starting tyre production, did you speak with the riders to know what they expect from Pirelli
Q. Before starting tyre production, did you speak with the riders to know what they expect from Pirelli
A. For the moment we haven’t spoken with them, because we have to respect the contract Dorna has with the current supplier. We don’t want to interfere in the season they still have left. We have our own idea although, obviously, we’ve spoken with the technicians and we’re in contact with the manufacturers’ engineers. We know the environment, we’ve known the paddock people for many years, and we have an idea of how we want to do things in the future.
Q. Will riders who already know Pirelli from Moto2 or WorldSBK have any advantage?
A. I have great respect for MotoGP riders. I think they won’t have major problems understanding a new tyre. What we’ve seen over the years with great riders like Carlos Checa, Troy Bayliss, Alex Barros or Max Biaggi, when they arrived in Superbikes, is that they understood the tyres immediately. Some won their first race very quickly, so I don’t see any major issue from that point of view. What is clear is that those who have more time and more opportunities to test our tyres throughout next year, those riders will have a slight advantage in 2027.
