Following the Czech Republic Grand Prix, MotoGP held its first official test for the 2027 season in Brno. This test, conducted behind closed doors on Monday, June 22nd, saw factory teams try out new 850cc prototypes and the Pirelli tires that will be used next year. Italian manufacturer Pirelli brought 15 different tire compounds, developed at its Milan-based facilities, to the track.
Honda's choices: Mir, Marini, and Nakagami
Honda HRC fielded its only current test driver, Japanese Takaaki Nakagami, along with official drivers Joan Mir and Luca Marini, at the Brno test. However, it is known that Mir and Marini will not be with Honda in 2027; Honda has signed Fabio Quartararo for the next season, and a decision is still pending between Diogo Moreira and David Alonso for the second seat. Despite this situation, Honda did not include Moreira, who has a long-term contract until 2027, in the test.
Moreira has been extremely competitive in the last three races: finishing 10th in Mugello, 6th in Balaton Park, and 11th in the Czech Republic; he went directly to Q2 in all three. Despite this, he did not compete in the Brno test on June 22nd.
Puig: 'We wanted to protect him'‘
Honda HRC team manager Alberto Puig made a statement on the matter during the international broadcast held at the Czech GP weekend. Puig justified the decision to send Joan and Luca out for testing as follows: “We will consult our current drivers, Joan and Luca. They are the ones who know our engine best. Therefore, we will try to get the best possible information about the new engine from them. We believe that the plan we have set for the current situation is the right one.” Directly addressing Moreira's absence, Puig also indicated that another test would be held in the future, implying that Moreira could participate in a possible test in September.
This development comes amidst a driver transfer deadlock, as the Concordia Pact, announced last Friday between the manufacturers and the organization for the 2027-2031 period, has yet to clarify its implications for the drivers. Contractual uncertainties have placed the Brno test in an unusual position in terms of driver selection; the vast majority of drivers participating in the test still have their 2027 lineup status confirmed.