Pol Espargaro expected to test KTM’s new 850 MotoGP prototype at Misano

Pol Espargaro looks set to make his return from injury by testing KTM’s new 850cc MotoGP bike at Misano. 

The Spanish rider will return to his normal testing duties after suffering a hand injury in a dirt-bike training accident in April. The injury prevented Espargaro from replacing Maverick Vinales when the Tech3 KTM rider was absent from the French MotoGP at Le Mans, in May. That resulted in Jonas Folger receiving the call-up instead, before Vinales returned to action at the Catalunya Grand Prix. 

According to Speedweek.com, Espargaro will now return to action alongside Dani Pedrosa for a two-day private test aboard the company’s 850cc prototype. 

With WorldSBK having raced at Misano over the weekend, track conditions should be in optimal condition for MotoGP testing. Espargaro and Pedrosa will also carry out their testing duties at Misano using Pirelli tyres. 

If this week’s Misano test goes according to plan, Espargaro could make an appearance at the post-Brno test that’s planned next Monday, which takes place one day after the Czech round ends. 

KTM became the first manufacturer to share footage of the new 850cc prototype when Espargaro carried out a test at Jerez in December. Since then, Honda, Ducati, and Aprilia are all known to have completed testing aboard their new 850 machines, while Yamaha is believed to have tested its new bike behind closed doors. 

Next week’s unofficial test is expected to feature every manufacturer on the grid, with a maximum of two riders per team. This will also be the first time that full-time MotoGP racers get the chance to test 2027 machinery.

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