MotoGP confirmed its full 2026 testing programme, outlining preseason activity, four in-season test days and the framework for introducing Pirelli as the series’ tyre supplier in 2027.

Preseason will begin with a Sepang shakedown (Jan 29–31), followed by the official Sepang test (Feb 3–5) and a Season Launch in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 7. Teams will then run a final two-day pre-race test at Buriram (Feb 21–22) before the opening round at the PT Thai GP (Feb 27–Mar 1).

The calendar includes four in-season test days: two official post-race tests using current-season Michelin tyres — Apr 27 at Jerez (after the Spanish GP) and May 18 at Barcelona (after the Catalan GP) — which will also serve as the final official tests for the 1,000cc bikes; and two non-official, Pirelli-run evaluations of the 2027 tyre package on the Mondays after the Czech and Austrian GPs — Jun 22 at Brno and Sep 21 at the Red Bull Ring. The Pirelli sessions are non-official (no live timing) and are intended solely to assess the incoming supplier’s tyre package.

MotoGP noted Pirelli first ran MotoGP machinery in a private Misano test in 2025 and highlighted Pirelli’s wider motorsport role as a current F1 supplier and the sole WorldSBK supplier since 2004. The series also confirmed the 2027 preseason will begin the Tuesday after the Valencia GP, on Nov 24, tying next year’s start directly to the 2026 finale.

Sources