Pirelli to replace Michelin in MotoGP

Starting from 2027, Pirelli will become the tire supplier for all categories of the MotoGP championship, including MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE, and even series-satellites such as the Rookies Cup. The terms of the five-year contract are still being negotiated, and Dorna Sports, the promoter of MotoGP, notes that the participation of a single tire manufacturer in races of all levels "will help future champions hone their skills on the way to the top".

Since 2016, Michelin has been supplying tires for MotoGP, and the media reports that the company would like to stay in the series after 2026, but Dorna's new strategy differs from the position of the French brand. As noted by Piero Taramasso, the director of Michelin's motorsport department, the company's priorities have always been the MotoGP and MotoE series (the latter uses electric motorcycles), which are considered by the manufacturer as a platform for developing new technologies.

"The MotoGP championship is the highest level of motorsport, which serves as a testing ground for technological innovations," he said. "This is a platform on which Michelin expands its experience, collects large amounts of data, and sets records together with motorcycle manufacturers and the best riders in the world".

Michelin will continue to supply tires for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the 2026 season, and Taramasso emphasized that the company will still provide products of the highest quality and closely cooperate with partners. "We respect Dorna's position and will fulfill all our obligations as a tire supplier in the 2025-2026 seasons," he said.

Pirelli has been the exclusive tire supplier for Moto2 and Moto3 since 2023, and the Italian brand's tires are also used in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) and "Formula 1", where the contract with the company is valid until the end of 2027 with the possibility of extension. Thus, the signing of an agreement with Dorna will become an important step that will make Pirelli a tire brand with a very wide presence in high-level auto and motorcycle sports.

Photo: motogp.com