Pirelli to replace Michelin as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier

MotoGP confirms Pirelli as exclusive tyre supplier from 2027 in a five-year deal.

The Pirelli logo is displayed at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on February 26, 2025. Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

MotoGP has officially announced that Pirelli will become the exclusive tyre supplier for the world championship starting from the 2027 season, replacing Michelin after a decade-long partnership.

The French tyre manufacturer has been the control supplier for the premier class since 2016, when it took over from Bridgestone. However, its future in MotoGP had been the subject of speculation for some time, especially after Pirelli entered the paddock in 2023 as the tyre supplier for Moto2 and Moto3.

On Thursday, March 6, MotoGP confirmed that its agreement with Michelin will conclude at the end of the 2026 season, paving the way for Pirelli to take over as the sole tyre supplier across all three grand prix classes from 2027. Additionally, Pirelli will supply tyres for the MotoE World Championship, further expanding its footprint in motorcycle racing.

MotoGP outlines strategy for Pirelli takeover

The decision to bring Pirelli on board aligns with MotoGP’s long-term goal of ensuring consistency in tyre performance for riders progressing through the ranks. Currently, riders competing in Moto3 and Moto2 use Pirelli tyres before transitioning to Michelin rubber in MotoGP. From 2027, all classes will feature the same brand, providing a unified experience for competitors.

MotoGP released an official statement regarding the deal:

"Pirelli will become the official tyre supplier to MotoGP from 2027.

"A new five-year contract until 2031, 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.

"Pirelli currently supplies Moto2, Moto3, and much of the Road to MotoGP. Now, their presence in the sport will expand to the pinnacle of racing, MotoGP, and into MotoE, the electric World Championship."

Michelin to remain until 2026 before MotoGP's shift to Pirelli

Despite the upcoming change, Michelin will continue as the exclusive tyre supplier for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the current technical regulations in 2026. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the championship, stating that it will maintain its support for teams and riders over the next two seasons.

"Michelin will remain the exclusive supplier for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the current technical regulations, at the close of the 2026 season.

"Over the next two seasons, Michelin will continue to provide its technical support, its products, and world-class technology, assuring the safety, performance, and racing that makes MotoGP the most exciting sport on Earth.

"As a pioneer in world-class electric motorcycle racing, Michelin will remain committed to MotoE throughout 2025 and 2026, continuing to innovate and to make its tyres—already featuring a high percentage of renewable and recycled materials—even more sustainable."

The transition to Pirelli tyres will coincide with significant regulatory changes in MotoGP, including the introduction of an 850cc engine formula in 2027. This marks a major shift in the sport’s technical landscape, with Pirelli set to play a key role in shaping the future of tyre development in grand prix racing.

Pirelli strengthens its presence in global motorsport

Pirelli’s appointment as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier further cements its influence in global motorsport. The Italian manufacturer is already the exclusive tyre provider for Formula 1, a deal that runs until the end of 2027, giving Pirelli a dominant presence in both two- and four-wheel racing’s top categories.

The company also supplies tyres for the World Superbike Championship, with that agreement set to continue until at least the end of 2026. However, how Pirelli’s expanded MotoGP responsibilities might impact its other motorsport commitments remains unclear.

With the transition to Pirelli rubber set to reshape MotoGP’s technical landscape, the next few years will be crucial in determining how the new tyre regulations affect competition in the premier class.