Oliveira says MotoGP 2027 tire switch to Pirelli is a game-changer

Miguel Oliveira believes the move from Michelin to Pirelli in MotoGP 2027 will be the biggest shift in the sport, with major implications for all teams.

Miguel Oliveira of Portugal, riding for Prima Pramac Yamaha, sits beside his crew chief before the free practice 2 session at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo on March 15, 2025, in Rio Hondo, Argentina. Photo by Gold & Goose/LAT Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Miguel Oliveira has described MotoGP’s transition from Michelin to Pirelli tires in 2027 as the most significant change in the sport, one that could reset the balance among manufacturers. The Pramac Yamaha rider believes this shift will have a greater impact than any of the upcoming regulatory changes, including the reduction in engine capacity to 850cc, the removal of ride height devices, and aerodynamics simplifications.

"Of all the technical changes that can be made to the bike, changing the tire supplier is the biggest one by far," Oliveira said. "And it's actually the only thing that can reset the balance that we have at the moment. I think it's the only thing that can make everyone start from zero."

The impact of the MotoGP 2027 tire change

Tires are one of the most crucial aspects of performance in MotoGP, influencing grip, braking, and overall race strategy. With Pirelli set to replace Michelin as the sole tire supplier from the 2027 season, speculation is already mounting about which teams will benefit the most from the transition.

For years, manufacturers have optimized their bikes to suit Michelin’s tire characteristics. The introduction of Pirelli will force all teams to adapt to a new compound, potentially shifting the competitive order. Some experts believe this could be an opportunity for Yamaha and Honda to close the gap on Ducati, which has dominated in recent years.

"This could be a chance for Honda and Yamaha to recover," Oliveira noted. "With a different tire, the entire approach to bike development might need to be reconsidered. That could give an opening to those who have struggled with Michelin’s characteristics."

Ducati’s advantage with Pirelli experience

While some view the transition as a chance for struggling teams to reset, others argue that Ducati remains in a strong position. With six bikes on the grid, Ducati will likely gather more data during initial Pirelli testing than its competitors.

Additionally, Ducati has years of experience working with Pirelli in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), where Pirelli has been the exclusive tire supplier for over two decades. This could give the Italian manufacturer an edge in understanding how to maximize performance on the new rubber.

"Honestly, I don't know if this change will help the Japanese manufacturers to catch up," Oliveira admitted. "Ducati is very involved in Superbike and obviously has accumulated a lot of experience, at least with the technology or philosophy behind the tires. But I can't say if it will be an advantage or not."

Early testing in 2026 could shape MotoGP’s future

Although the official switch to Pirelli will not take place until 2027, Oliveira hopes that testing will begin in 2026. Early trials would allow teams to familiarize themselves with the new tires and adjust their setups before the change becomes permanent.

"I hope the plan can be implemented at least from next year, and we will start doing a little testing [in 2026] and see the results," Oliveira said.

Pirelli is no stranger to elite motorcycle racing. The Italian manufacturer currently supplies tires for the Moto2 and Moto3 categories and has extensive experience in WSBK. With its move into MotoGP, Pirelli will become the third supplier in the modern era, following Bridgestone (2009-2015) and Michelin (2016-2026).

MotoGP’s 2027 rule changes add to the challenge

The shift to Pirelli tires is just one part of a sweeping overhaul in MotoGP’s technical regulations for 2027. In addition to new tires, the series will also see a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000cc to 850cc and the elimination of ride height devices, which have been a crucial component in recent years.

These changes mean teams will need to rethink their bike designs entirely. The combination of a smaller engine, different aerodynamics, and new tires could significantly alter race dynamics.

Who will adapt fastest to Pirelli tires?

At this stage, it is unclear which manufacturer will adapt most effectively to Pirelli’s tires. Ducati’s extensive WSBK experience suggests it may have a head start, but that does not guarantee success in MotoGP.

Meanwhile, Yamaha and Honda see the rule changes as a chance to rebuild their programs after struggling in recent seasons. With a completely different set of tires to develop around, they could gain an advantage if they find the right balance early on.

MotoGP’s 2027 season could mark a turning point in the sport’s competitive landscape. The question remains: will the introduction of Pirelli tires create a more level playing field, or will it further cement Ducati’s dominance? With testing expected to begin in 2026, teams will be eager to find answers before the new era officially begins.