MotoGP 2027 pre-season testing schedule
MotoGP has confirmed a reduced pre-season test schedule for 2027, cutting days in Sepang and moving the final test in Buriram earlier.
MotoGP has released its official pre-season testing schedule for 2027, confirming a reduction in available track days. The changes come as teams prepare for the debut of the new 850cc era with Pirelli tyres.
According to a report from Visordown, the annual Sepang tests will be shortened. The final pre-season test in Thailand has also been moved to an earlier date. These adjustments mean riders will have fewer opportunities to dial in their new machines before the racing begins.
Sepang tests condensed
The traditional Shakedown test in Sepang, Malaysia, will be reduced by one day. The official Sepang MotoGP test that follows will also be cut by a day. This represents a significant reduction in track time for development.
As a result, rookie riders will lose two full days of testing compared to previous seasons. Established riders on the grid will also have one less day of pre-season running. The two Sepang tests will now run consecutively without a break.
The schedule for the Malaysian circuit is now confirmed as follows:
| Test Type | Dates |
|---|---|
| Shakedown Test | January 29-30 |
| Official Sepang Test | January 31 - February 1 |
Earlier final test in Buriram
A major shift involves the location and timing of the final pre-season test. It will take place at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, but much sooner than in past years.
Instead of occurring just before the season opener, the Buriram test is now scheduled for February 6-7. This move provides teams with a longer gap between testing and the first race. Manufacturers reportedly requested the earlier date to allow more time for modifications.
The period after this test will be critical for development. Engine homologation and the initial aerodynamic packages will be frozen ahead of the first round of the championship.
Implications for the new era
The 2027 season marks the introduction of new 850cc machinery and a switch to Pirelli tyres. This highly anticipated change makes pre-season testing more crucial than ever. Teams will be under pressure to identify and resolve potential issues quickly.
With less track time available, every session becomes more valuable. Riders must adapt swiftly to gain a competitive edge. The condensed schedule increases the stakes for the opening tests.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 season in Valencia, a standard one-day post-season test will be held at the same Spanish circuit. This test typically allows for initial feedback on the following year's prototype bikes. The 2027 pre-season schedule then begins in earnest with the shortened run in Malaysia two months later.
