Michele Pirro has made a surprise appearance on Ducati’s 2027 MotoGP prototype during a V2 Champ Academy test at Misano.

Images and video published by GPOne.com show Pirro on a Desmosedici ‘GP27’ featuring the 850cc engine, revised aerodynamics and Pirelli tyres required by next year’s regulations.

Ducati has confirmed to Crash.net that Pirro is riding an 850cc prototype.

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While it remains unclear how many private tests the bike may have completed behind closed doors, Monday’s outing means reigning MotoGP champion’s Ducati join KTM and Honda in ‘revealing’ an 850cc machine on track.

Long-time factory test rider Pirro, who stood in for Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer at this year’s Thai season opener, is leading early development of the 2027 machine.

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World Superbike title leader Nicolo Bulega, who has extensive Pirelli knowledge, is expected to start his testing duties from June.

Ducati MotoGP team manager Davide Tardozzi was among those present at Misano on Monday, where wet weather disrupted track time. The V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy test continues on Tuesday.

Pirelli is currently supporting individual 850cc development tests by manufacturers. 

The next Pirelli group outing, for test riders, is expected to be at Misano in late May.

Full-time MotoGP riders are then scheduled to get their first experience of 2027 machinery and tyres during an official post-race test at Brno in June.

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Ducati, like most manufacturers, is yet to announce next year’s rider line-up amid ongoing negotiations over the constructors’ commercial contract with MotoGP SEG.

However, Pedro Acosta is expected to join the factory Lenovo team alongside current champion Marc Marquez, with Pecco Bagnaia switching to Aprilia.

Aprilia and Yamaha are now the only manufacturers whose 850cc prototypes have yet to be seen on track.

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