Eugene Laverty Explains How Pirelli's MotoGP Move Will Change The Class

By David Emmett |

Dorna's decision to replace Michelin with Pirelli for the 2027 season and beyond sent shockwaves through the paddock. We caught up with ex-WorldSBK and MotoGP rider Eugene Laverty to get his insight into how the change will affect the series. What are Pirellis like to race, when compared to Michelins?

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Comments

The pre-2009 situation was mentioned in the podcast. It would be possible to have several tire manufacturers and at the same time avoid the "Saturday" specials Toni Elias / Dani Pedrosa situation by stipulating that all brought-in specifications should be available to all riders, and from FP1.

Technically, that existed in 2007 and 2008. Before then, tire manufacturers could bring tires whenever they wanted, including making tires on Saturday based on data from Friday, and bringing them to the track on Sunday morning.

For 2007 and 2008, all tires had to be registered and selected on Thursday. But Michelin, who had developed their tires around precise and narrow temperature ranges, lost out to Bridgestone, who had been forced to build tires that had a wide operating window, because they were shipping tires from Japan. Robbed of their advantage, for 2009, I think there were 4 riders on the grid who had committed to Michelin, the rest had chosen Bridgestone. Michelin pulled out, and essentially forced MotoGP into becoming a spec tire series. 

I remember some years ago (can’t remember when..) watching trackside at I think Spielberg as this aero thingy was growing ever larger and wondering what sort of effect this frontal downforce would be having on the front tyre. I remember it was around the time that Dovi was muttering about the pressure (pun not intended) on the front and the effect on feel, wear etc. As the aero development has been a constantly moving target with Covid thrown in for good measure, I do wonder if any other manufacturer could have kept up with this most revolving of doors? My gut feeling is that whilst I’m sure Michelin tendered, they might not be too disappointed at stepping off, especially where (Thai GP) tyre temperature management/manipulation has now gone into the ‘ignore the procession, get hysterical about the tech’ horror associated with F1. I would imagine Pirelli will have calmer waters to sail into from 2027..