Pirelli has officially been announced as the sole tire supplier for MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE, starting from the 2027 season. This transition marks the end of Michelin's contract as tire supplier for MotoGP, which will continue until the close of the 2026 season.
The five-year contract with Dorna Sports will run until 2031, coinciding with significant technological changes within the motorcycle racing world, including new bikes and regulations. Piero Taramasso, Michelin's head, clarified the separation between the two entities, stating, "After several months of negotiations about Michelin’s contract renewal beyond 2026, Dorna Sports decided to select a single tire supplier for all categories," as reported by TodoCircuito.
While Michelin has been the tire supplier for MotoGP, Pirelli has already been supplying tires for Moto2 and Moto3 since 2023. Dorna's strategic decision focuses on providing consistent tire specifications across all competition categories. Through this approach, the aim is to support young talent effectively as they climb the ranks from Moto3 to the premier MotoGP class.
"Unfortunately, this structure was not an option for Michelin, which has always prioritized MotoGP and MotoE," Taramasso added, reflecting Michelin's commitment to its existing divisions. MotoGP is not just any competition; it acts as the testing ground for innovation and technology for Michelin. Taramasso explains, "MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycling and serves as a platform for technological innovation, providing valuable data and driving constant improvement." This status allowed Michelin to make significant advancements within the industry.
The collaboration between Dorna Sports and Pirelli will introduce new technical regulations as the new contract commences. Riders and teams must adapt to this transition, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the tires from their early years through to the elite MotoGP level. By aligning the specifications across all categories, Pirelli will establish uniformity, promoting not just consistency but also facilitating young riders' growth.
At this point, it’s also important to highlight Michelin's role as it wraps up its involvement. Until the end of the 2026 season, Michelin remains committed to delivering innovative tire technology, performance, and safety across both MotoGP and MotoE. Their participation will benefit riders and teams, ensuring competitive racing environments prevail through well-developed tires.
Interestingly, Pirelli is no stranger to the world of exclusive tire manufacturing. The company is already recognized as the sole manufacturer of tires for Formula 1. Now, with ambitions set high within motorcycle racing, Pirelli is positioned to expand its influence significantly.
Certainly, for fans and athletes alike, this strategic overhaul signals the entry of Pirelli as the dominant tire supplier, and its presence is poised to redefine future MotoGP seasons. With this new arrangement, Pirelli aims to optimize driver development and lead MotoGP through technical advancements and superior tire performance.
The arrival of Pirelli marks the start of what could be termed as the Italian rubber empire’s reign within motorcycle racing. The expansion reflects Pirelli's elevation as a leader among competition tires and suggests exciting times are on the horizon for MotoGP. With the aspect of youth development at the forefront, all eyes will be on how Pirelli meets the challenges posed by the new regulations, enhancing the racing experience for both teams and fans.
Overall, this transition is set against the backdrop of continuous evolution within the sport, echoing the racing world’s need to adapt, innovate and inspire. It emphasizes the importance of consistent integration between technology and racing, ensuring the wheel continues to turn smoothly for riders including the champions of tomorrow.