Pol Espargaro warns of wild MotoGP tyre change for 2027

KTM test rider Pol Espargaro has warned that current MotoGP riders are largely unaware of the seismic shift coming with the championship's switch to Pirelli tyres in 2027. The Spaniard, who is developing KTM's new 850cc prototype, has accumulated extensive mileage on the new rubber and says the change from current supplier Michelin will be "wild."Espargaro told Motorsport.com that the Pirelli tyres are markedly different from the Michelins used since 2016."The way of riding was very similar" back in 2016, he said, but "with the Pirellis, everything changes completely. The bike is another world."

A Reshuffle of the Grid

Espargaro predicts the tyre change will dramatically alter the competitive order, much as it did in Moto2 this year when Pirelli replaced Dunlop. "Riders who were not performing started to perform, and other competitive riders disappeared," he recalled of the intermediate class switch. "And I have no doubt that this is going to happen in MotoGP."He believes manufacturers and riders with experience in the production-based World Superbike championship will hold a distinct advantage."a slightly bigger SBK" machine. Riders moving from World Superbike or Moto2 will also benefit from prior knowledge of the Pirelli product.

"They are going to have a huge advantage," Espargaro stated. He singled out expected VR46 signing Nicolo Bulega, a rider coming from World Superbike, as someone who will be "very fast from the beginning of the season." He also referenced Toprak Razgatlioglu's frequent comparisons between the tyres, noting the Turkish star has said he does not feel comfortable on the current Michelins.

A Severe Time Crunch

A major concern is the limited testing time available for current MotoGP riders to adapt. They will have only a handful of official tests, including one in December at Valencia. Riders changing manufacturers, like Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin, face an even tighter schedule, unable to try the new tyres until December 1st. Espargaro contrasted this with Moto2 and World Superbike riders, who will "arrive knowing the tyres very well."

The New Racing Landscape

When asked if the change would be positive, Espargaro remained diplomatic, saying it would be "good for some and bad for others."He outlined the characteristics of the new era, noting the 2027 bikes will be lighter and have less top speed but similar acceleration."Because they are lighter and have less top speed, it will make them less dangerous," he said. Espargaro anticipates the championship will become much more even from halfway through the 2027 season, once manufacturers have optimized their packages. His final assessment was that the category is heading towards a more fun, competitive, and safer future.