MotoGP 2027, Bulega tops Jerez tests: Ducati does 1:39.2

The private Jerez tests dedicated to MotoGP 2027 have already sent out a first strong signal. According to Mundo Deportivo, citing GPOne, the benchmark of the day was Niccolò Bulega with Ducati: 1:39.2 at the Ángel Nieto circuit, in a session reserved solely for the manufacturers' test riders. The new phase of the World Championship is getting ever closer and will bring with it 850 cc bikes, less power, the removal of several aerodynamic elements and ride height devices, as well as the switch to Pirelli as the new single tyre supplier.

For Ducati, Bulega's lap time carries particular weight. The Italian, world champion in Superbike with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, will return to the MotoGP paddock in 2027 with a direct agreement with Ducati and will race with the VR46 Racing Team. AS also recalls his already well-established relationship with Pirelli tyres, a detail that in this development phase can count in the adaptation work to the new technical era.

Aprilia's moves

Behind Ducati came Aprilia, with Lorenzo Savadori second, three tenths off Bulega. The RS-GP 2027 shown by Noale is still a prototype and does not match the bike expected for the Valencia tests on 1 December, but the work seen at Jerez points to a clear direction on the aerodynamic project front.

At the front, a different alternation of the supports can be seen, allowing the airflow to breathe better between the upper profile and the dynamic intake. The old fork wing-style solution gives way to an element that develops inwards, as required by the 2027 regulations. A vertical flap also drops down from the fairing, helping to support a second shaped profile, with the aim of finding front-end downforce without increasing drag too much.

KTM and the others on track

KTM also worked at Jerez with Pol Espargaró. The Spaniard was fastest on the first day, affected by rain, while on the second day, with a dry track, he finished third, more than eight tenths off Bulega's time. There was also time for other development runs: Michele Pirro worked with the Ducati Panigale V4 in Superbike, while Iker Lecuona shared the track with the same type of bike.