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Pirelli Steps in as New Official Tyre Supplier for MotoGP
Pirelli is set to take over as the official tyre supplier for the MotoGP series from 2027 through 2031, succeeding Michelin once its current agreement concludes. This decision aligns with Pirelli’s recent expansion into Moto2 and Moto3, where it has been supplying tyres since the previous year, as well as its longstanding role in the World Superbike Championship, which began in 2004.
This development marks a significant addition to Pirelli’s involvement in major motorsport events, complementing its existing sponsorship of the Formula 1 World Championship since 2011 and participation in the MotoE series. However, it has chosen not to extend its role in the World Rally Championship past 2024.
Race action
Photo by: Michelin
The announcement came unexpectedly as Michelin, the exclusive supplier for MotoGP since 2016, was actively developing new compounds in preparation for the technical rule changes set for 2027. Despite its commitment to innovation, Michelin has faced persistent criticism from teams and riders alike in recent years. This has particularly been the case with Honda and Aprilia, who have voiced frustration over Michelin’s products following significant incidents like Marc Marquez’s crash at the 2022 Indonesian Grand Prix and Jorge Martin’s recent pre-season testing accident in Sepang that sidelined him for the initial rounds of the upcoming season. Martin has also indicated that he holds Michelin partly accountable for his inability to compete effectively in the previous season.
Michelin’s exit from MotoGP marks its second major succession in recent times, having already been succeeded by Hankook in its tyre supply for the Formula E’s Gen3 series introduced toward the end of 2022. Nonetheless, Michelin continues to provide its tyres in a variety of other high-profile motorsport events, including the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship.
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www.motorsport.com