The Pirelli switch could matter as much as the 850cc engines

Pol Espargaro warns that MotoGP’s 2027 move from Michelin to Pirelli will deeply change riding and set-up. The KTM test rider, working between the current bike and the 850cc prototype, believes the difference will be greater than the Bridgestone-to-Michelin switch in 2016.

His view, not an established result, is that Moto2 rookies and Superbike riders may start with an advantage because they already know Pirelli tyres. Toprak Razgatlioglu is directly concerned; Nicolo Bulega would be too if his expected VR46 move is confirmed.

At the same time the rules cut engine capacity and aerodynamics and remove ride-height devices. Testing will have to separate tyre effects from chassis and engine effects, with the danger of choosing a development direction from misleading early sensations.