KTM First to Test 850cc Engine on Track for 2027 MotoGP

KTM has become the first MotoGP manufacturer to conduct an on-track test of its new 850cc engine designed for the 2027 season, with test rider Pol Espargaro sharing footage from a private session at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

The test took place on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in preparations for MotoGP's upcoming technical overhaul. Espargaro posted a video on Instagram showing the prototype engine powering a bike down the start-finish straight, equipped with the Pirelli tires that will become standard in 2027. "Hear that? The engine just fired up. Our 850cc is alive, and it's ready to race 2027," he captioned the clip. The post received comments from the official KTM Racing account and Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales, confirming the authenticity of the outing.

This track debut follows initial dyno testing of the engine at KTM's headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, in October. Officials at the Austrian manufacturer released a video at that time showing the power unit running for the first time, underscoring their ongoing development of a successor to the current RC16 prototype. The effort comes amid MotoGP's shift toward new regulations, which represent the series'...