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MotoGP's regular riders held their first joint test of the 850cc prototype engines and Pirelli tires set to arrive in 2027. Riders reported reduced power and noticeably different handling, with some describing the experience as feeling like "almost a new class" altogether.
Less power, different behavior — that means rider skill gets tested even more. An era where subtle inputs make the difference from corner entry to exit is coming. I actually welcome it. Not relying on raw horsepower, but a genuine test of skill on display. 850 is going to get interesting.
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If it's a joint test with the regulars, that means it's still development comparison with the whole field together.
'Almost a whole new class' - curious which rider actually said that.
Comments like this tend to come from the veterans - they're probably the most sensitive to any change in feel.
With the tires changing too alongside the power drop, this sounds like more than just a simple speed decrease.
From 990 to 800 and now 850 - riders must have had to relearn the feel completely with every one of these displacement changes.
Lower power and 'almost a new class' basically means the fundamental character of MotoGP is changing.
