Pirelli is due to become MotoGP’s sole tire supplier after it was confirmed the Italian firm will be taking over from Michelin from the 2027 season.
The news comes as a shock to the racing world, as well as Michelin. The French company, who has been MotoGP’s singly tire supplier since 2016, was desperate to keep hold of the contract.
But series organizer Dorna Sports felt it was time that all three GP classes, plus MotoE (also supplied by Michelin), have the same tire supplier. By that point Pirelli was in pole position after it took over from Dunlop in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, as well as Dorna’s numerous talent promotion series.
Michelin wasn’t prepared to provide tires for either Moto2 or Moto3, as it feels those classes have no relevance to the products they develop for the road. “This expanded configuration was not what Michelin wanted, as we have always preferred to focus exclusively on two disciplines: MotoGP and MotoE,” said Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s Head of Two-Wheel Motorsport.
Pirelli’s entry to Moto2 and Moto3 was largely successful. Racing was consistently good in both classes. And of the 40 GP races held in Moto2 and Moto3 last year, Pirelli contributed to 37 all-time lap records was well as 34 race records.
The Italian firm will have its hands full supplying tires for 2027. As well as its Grand Prix commitments, Pirelli also supplies tires for Formula1, the World Superbike Championship, as well as the British Superbike Championship. A Pirelli spokesman confirmed its entry into MotoGP will not affect its future commitment to Formula1, where its contract ends in 2027.
It adds another layer of intrigue to 2027. MotoGP is set to undergo its biggest technical shift since 2003, when factories will wheel out new 850cc machines without ride-height devices and with limited aerodynamics. Adapting those bikes from Michelin’s unique characteristics to Pirellis will be key to success.
Pirelli last enjoyed success in the MotoGP class in 1989, when Italian Pier Francesco Chili scored a controversial success at Misano, a race the majority of the grid boycotted due to safety concerns in wet conditions.
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