The news that Pirelli was to replace Michelin as official tire supplier for the MotoGP class from 2027 was something of a bombshell. Though rumors that the Italian tire maker wanted to replace their French counterparts in MotoGP had been circulating for some time, Michelin had consistently and repeatedly insisted they wanted to remain as offical tire supplier to both MotoGP and MotoE.
That has not proved possible, however. For a number of reasons, Dorna wanted to have just a single tire supplier in the grand prix paddock. There were multiple reasons for this, revolving around the simplicity of dealing with a single supplier. That makes contract negotations simpler, it frees up space in a packed paddock, as only one tire compound is needed rather than two, and it simplifies the advertising hoardings around the circuit, with neither tire maker able to complain about the visibility of one of their main rivals.
Dorna had asked Michelin whether they had wanted to take on all grand prix classes, but the French tire manufacturer had made it clear that their only interest was in supplying the premier class for R&D and marketing visibility, and MotoE for development of their sustainability projects. That caused Dorna to hand the entire project to Pirelli.
Last week, after the announcement of the new Pirelli deal by Dorna, Michelin's head of two-wheeled motorsport, Piero Taramasso, isssued a statement to journalists. "After several months of discussion regarding the extension of Michelin’s MotoGP contract after the 2026 season, Dorna Sports has decided to select a sole tire supplier for all classes. So, this means MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE and also the series like Rookies Cup and Talent Cup," Taramasso said.
That was not what Michelin were interested in, he explained. "Unfortunately this set up was not an option for Michelin, which has always prioritized MotoGP and MotoE. MotoGP represents the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and it serves to us as a measured testing ground for all technological innovation. It’s the platform where Michelin develops the expertise, it gets a lot of data, it sets records in collaboration with the manufacturers and the best riders in the world."
MotoE was a technology laboratory for Michelin, Taramasso explained, where they could research and develop materials from sustainable sources and material reuse. "In MotoE, Michelin is pushing the technological boundary and setting new standards incorporating more than 50% of renewable and recyclable material into the tire. And also, last year you saw the new design, the Race to VISION pattern on the tread on the rear tire of the MotoE. This is a testament to Michelin's commitment to sustainability."
Michelin were committed to continue to work until the contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, Taramasso explained. "Based on that, we respect Dorna’s position and remain focused on our role as the tire supplier for the seasons 2025 and 2026 for MotoE and MotoGP. We will continue to work hand in hand with our partners."
The biggest question in the mind of fans is what this means for the new front tire which Michelin had originally scheduled to introduce in 2026, and which is aimed at reducing the sensitivity of the front to pressure and temperature. Development on the tire is well advanced, and the prototypes tested at both Sepang and Buriram were well received by the riders.
According to fellow Paddock Pass Podcast member Neil Morrison, development of the new front will continue. The new tire will be tested at both Jerez and Aragon, and a decision on the introduction of the tire taken after that.
Michelin faces two choices in the decision on the new tire. They can stick with their current proven process, with known costs. Or they can introduce the new tire, and exploit the investment they have already made in its production. The manufacturing process is changing to match the rear - a tire which is produced using a process similar to 3D printing, where each layer is laid down very precisely by a custom-built machine - and Michelin have already invested a lot of money and resources into this new process for the new front. It makes sense to leverage this investment for use in production, as it can be used to make a range of premium products for the French tire maker.
It also makes sense from a marketing perspective. It is in Michelin's interests to set the bar for Pirelli as high as possible. That means smashing lap records even further, and improving the current state of racing. Even though MotoGP will also be changing format from 2027, with a capacity reduction to 850cc, reduced aerodynamics and the removal of ride-height and holeshot devices, progress is unstoppable, and lap times will be beaten. Michelin will want the period before Pirelli-shod MotoGP bikes break those records to last as long as possible.
