While full-time MotoGP riders head into the summer holidays after the Sachsenring weekend, test teams continue to work on new-age bikes from 2027, with engines downsized from 1000cc to 850cc, limited aerodynamics and no height-adjustable suspension. Over the past few days, several manufacturers have carried out private tests at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo.
Yamaha was the only manufacturer absent from Catalonia this time. Japanese racer Takaaki Nakagami rode for Honda Racing Corporation, which oversees all factory operations for the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, while KTM saw star test rider Dani Pedrosa in the saddle of the new RC16. The Spaniard clocked a personal best time of 1:39.99 minutes on his home track, making him faster than Nakagami.
Ducati made the best impression
The Ducati Corse team made the best impression, with future VR46 MotoGP rider and World Superbike Championship leader Nicolo Bulega getting the job done and impressing again. The superbike dominant clocked a fastest time of 1:39.23 minutes, 1.6 seconds off Alex Marquez’s (Ducati) Barcelona record set in 2025. Bulega and Pedrosa were the only riders to break the 1:40 barrier.
Bulega has had a busy schedule over the past few weeks, with the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday and World Ducati Week the previous weekend ahead of the World Superbike Championship race at Donington Park, which took place at the same time as the Sachsenring Grand Prix. In addition to regularly testing Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP bike, Bulega also conducts Superbike tests on Michelin tyres.
Speaking to SPEEDWEEK.com, the 26-year-old confirmed that he is feeling a little tired: “Over the last few weeks, I have been spending more time at events and riding motorcycles than at home. Okay, there are more difficult things in life than riding motorcycles. But after a few days, your body needs a little rest because it is a very demanding sport. After this test, I would like to treat myself to 15 or 20 days off from the bikes.”
Max Biaggi completed more than 100 laps
Aprilia is also not celebrating yet: the manufacturer from Noale was actively working in Barcelona together with test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who showed a time of 1:40.17 minutes. Aprilia legend Max Biaggi, who also recently competed at the Sachsenring, rode a standard RSV4. The 55-year-old racer completed more than 100 laps over two days and achieved the best time of 1:44. This is important for Aprilia: thanks to many years of participation in the World Superbike Championship (he was world champion in 2010 and 2012), Biaggi has extensive experience with Pirelli tires, which will be used in MotoGP from 2027.