German tyre brand Metzeler has been named as the official tyre supplier to the Isle of Man TT until 2027.
Contract:
- Five-year deal covers period from 2023 to 2027
- Prominent race service location to be included in the paddock
- Sponsorship inventory also includes trackside branding on the Mountain Course
Context: Dunlop had been the sole tyre supplier to the motorcycle race prior to 2023, but open regulations allowed Metzeler to supply some of the riders. The Pirelli subsidiary replaces Dunlop following a problematic 2022 that, as Pat Walsh, event manager for Dunlop Motorsport UK, told the Belfast Telegraph, included a “bad batch of tyres” causing a number of high-profile failures at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland.
Comment: Paul Phillips, head of motorsport – Isle of Man department for enterprise, said: “Metzeler are a welcome addition to the line-up of official sponsor brands for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races. Our commercial objective is to work collaboratively to add value to the TT experience for everyone involved in the event. Metzeler is already integrally associated with the TT, and is the tyre of choice for many teams competing in the event, with a proven performance track record. We are sure that this will be a successful relationship that will grow in strength over the years to come.”
Coming next: Metzeler products will be first deployed for the 2023 Isle of Man TT, which is set to take place from 29th May to 10th June.