MotoGP has announced Pirelli as its new tyre supplier from the 2027 season.
Contract:
- Pirelli will supply MotoGP until at least 2031
- Michelin to exit after 11 years as series’ tyre supplier
- New contract also covers tyre supply for all-electric MotoE
Context:
This announcement is not surprising given Pirelli made the move to supply Moto2 and Moto3 last season. Clearly this trial run has proved worthwhile enough for the Italian manufacturer to make the jump to the top level of global motorcycle racing.
Coincidentally, this means that Pirelli will supply both Formula One and MotoGP during the 2027 season, adding yet another synergy for the two series that are both poised to be under Liberty Media ownership. Pirelli’s contract with Formula One currently expires in 2027, but there is an option for an additional year.
This is a major win for Pirelli, and one that the manufacturer has targeted for some time, as the company’s motorsport director Mario Isola told BlackBook Motorsport last year.
“I hope to see Pirelli in both championships,” he said. “That would be clear evidence to be the leader in motorsport and to be able to produce tyres for the best series in the world, both two wheels and four wheels.”
Comment:
“After several months of discussion regarding the extension of Michelin, Dorna Sports has decided to select a sole tyre manufacturer for all classes,” Michelin’s bike racing boss Piero Taramasso told The Race.
“This means MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE and also series like the Rookies Cup and their talent cups.
“Unfortunately, this set-up was not an option for Michelin, which has always prioritised MotoGP and MotoE.
“MotoGP represents the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, and serves to us as a major testing ground for technological innovation. It is the platform where we get experience and gain a lot of data.
“We respect Dorna’s decision, and we remain focused on our role as supplier for the 2025 and 2026 seasons of MotoGP and MotoE, and we will continue to work hand in hand with all our partners.”
Coming next:
Michelin still has two years left on its contract before Pirelli enters MotoGP. The manufacturer was supposed to be developing a new front tyre for the series to combat issues around tyre pressures, but it is unclear how this process will be affected now that its exit has been confirmed.
Go deeper:
- Why F1 remains the best global platform for Pirelli
- What’s the state of MotoGP’s sponsorship portfolio ahead of Liberty Media’s takeover?
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