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Michelin Exits MotoGP as Pirelli Takes Over Tyre Supply
Michelin has announced its departure from the MotoGP championship, attributed to a strategic decision by Dorna Sports to unify tyre suppliers across all motorcycle racing series. This shift has prompted Michelin to conclude its longstanding relationship with MotoGP, effective upon the expiration of its current contract.
On Thursday, Pirelli was officially named as the next tyre provider for MotoGP, set to serve from 2027 to 2031. The Italian company is already responsible for the tyre supply in Moto2 and Moto3 and will be expanding its portfolio by also supplying tyres for MotoE.
Michelin’s exit comes despite the company having developed new compounds intended for the upcoming technical advancements in MotoGP, which will include a new 850cc engine formula. Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s two-wheel competition manager, shared insights regarding the circumstances surrounding this departure.
“We had been in discussions with Dorna regarding a contract renewal for several months. However, they ultimately opted for a single supplier for all world championship categories—including MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE, and various junior categories like the Rookies Cup,” Taramasso explained to Autosport. “Dorna believed that having one supplier was more efficient; we, on the other hand, were not interested in involving ourselves with other series outside of MotoGP and MotoE.”
According to Taramasso, Michelin’s strong interest in MotoGP stemmed from the unique opportunities the championship presented in terms of data collection and technological advancement. “MotoGP represents the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, featuring the best riders and motorcycles capable of exceeding speeds of 300 km/h,” he noted. “It provides invaluable data and experience that can directly influence the development of commercial tyres, which is something you can’t replicate in other categories.”
The company’s engagement in MotoE, conversely, focuses on sustainable materials. “Motorsport offers a platform to innovate in sustainability, and with our work in MotoE, we’ve successfully integrated over 50% sustainable materials into our tyres. Both MotoGP and MotoE align with our strategic priorities,” Taramasso remarked.
He expressed concerns about the implications of managing tyre supplies across numerous championships, emphasizing that such a spread could compromise quality. “If we were to extend our services to too many categories, it would dilute our focus and ultimately affect the quality of what we deliver. Thus, concentrating on MotoGP and MotoE allows us to provide higher quality service to teams and riders,” he explained.
Pirelli, which until 2026 will continue to supply tyres for the World Superbike Championship, also holds a prominent partnership with Formula 1 that runs until at least 2027, marking its growing influence in the motorsport tyre market.
Source
www.autosport.com