Michelin and Pirelli trade paddocks
Breaking news this evening confirms a significant development in international motorcycle racing, as Michelin and Pirelli will effectively swap roles across MotoGP and WorldSBK starting in 2027.
While Pirelli had previously been announced as the new tyre supplier for MotoGP from the 2027 season, it has now been confirmed that Michelin will take over as the Official Tyre Supplier for the FIM Superbike World Championship.
The newly announced five-year partnership between Michelin and Dorna Sports will run through to 2031 and includes exclusive tyre supply across all WorldSBK categories: WorldSBK, WorldSSP, the newly launched World Sportbike (WorldSPB) class, and the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).
Pirelli will continue in its current role as the Official Tyre Supplier for WorldSBK through to the end of the 2026 season. The Italian manufacturer will maintain its commitment to supporting teams and riders at the highest level of production-based racing, while continuing to refine and evolve its tyre technology portfolio.
This strategic shift marks a new era for both series and their respective tyre partners, with each brand bringing decades of motorsport expertise to their new roles.
Matthieu Bonardel – Director of Michelin Motorsport
“We are very pleased to be able to commit so quickly to a world-class motorcycle racing championship starting in 2027. The WorldSBK offers an ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, whether on the track or on the road. The audience of this championship is mainly made up of enthusiasts who own super sport motorcycles. For them, we will do everything possible to deliver high-quality entertainment, supported by tires with outstanding performance.”
Having already achieved success in the WorldSBK championship in the early 2000s — with 12 titles won in an open-competition environment — Michelin is reconnecting with a discipline that perfectly aligns with its road bike based ambitions.
