Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier from 2027 onwards, bringing to an end the French brand’s 10-year run as the series sole manufacturer.
Pirelli’s step up to the premier class has been hinted at for some time, off the back of the move in 2024 to take over the contract to supply Moto2 and Moto3 from Dunlop, and 2027 presents the right timing given the significant changes to the MotoGP rulebook that will see an engine spec change from 1000cc to 850cc in the name of slower laptimes and better safety.
“Pirelli will become the official tyre supplier to MotoGP from 2027,” said series organiser Dorna in a brief statement.
“A new five-year contract until 2031 inclusive, currently being finalised, will coincide with a new era for the sport as new MotoGP bikes and technical regulations debut in 2027.
"The strategy of having a single supplier in the paddock will provide the perfect development ladder for the champions of tomorrow to hone their craft on their way to the top.
“Further details on the tyre allocations and specifications to be supplied by Pirelli will be announced soon.”
2027 presents the perfect opportunity to switch tyre manufacturer, but will also no doubt create an extra headache for teams already working on their new 850cc prototypes, given that the new deal likely means a wholly new chassis design will be necessary to take the most from the Pirelli tyres.
MotoGP’s last major tyre switch, from Bridgestone to Michelin at the end of the 2015 season, coincided with new technical rules that saw teams’ custom electronics systems banned and replaced with a one-make Magneti Marelli system - and created an intense 2016 season with a stretch of eight different winners in eight races.
It remains to be seen what the news will mean for the remainder of the current Michelin deal, which covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Previously expected to introduce a delayed but much-needed new front tyre for 2026 in order to deal with the tyre pressure issues that have hampered competitiveness in recent seasons, that could well be the first casualty of the new deal should Michelin now decide to cut development costs.
Michelin's statement
While Michelin hasn’t been shy recently about expressing some discontent with the series amid frequent criticism of its product by riders and teams (a natural consequence of being the single supplier), it seems that the decision to leave might not have been made of its own accord, according to Michelin's bike racing boss Piero Taramasso.
“After several months of discussion regarding the extension of Michelin,” he said, “Dorna Sports has decided to select a sole tyre manufacturer for all classes.
“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.”
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