Pirelli to take over in 2027 with MotoGP riders restricted from public criticism

Pirelli secures five-year deal to supply tyres for all MotoGP classes, ending Michelin’s 11-year tenure.

A Michelin technician checks the tire temperature during the official MotoGP Valencia Test at Ricardo Tormo Circuit on November 8, 2022, in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

MotoGP has officially announced that Pirelli will take over as the exclusive tyre supplier for the premier class starting in the 2027 season. The Italian manufacturer, which currently provides tyres for Moto2 and Moto3, will replace Michelin after the latter’s 11-year tenure.

The news, confirmed on Thursday, means that Michelin will exit MotoGP at the end of the 2026 season. This transition aligns with upcoming regulation changes in 2027, making Pirelli the sole supplier across all three classes. MotoGP officials believe this move will create a more unified development path for riders progressing through the ranks.

Despite the decision, Michelin was reportedly keen to continue its involvement in MotoGP. According to journalist Neil Morrison, the French manufacturer was engaged in a bidding war with Pirelli for the new contract.

Speaking on the Paddock Pass Podcast YouTube channel, Morrison shared insights from his conversation with Michelin’s two-wheel motorsport chief, Piero Taramasso.

“I caught up with Piero Taramasso earlier today to understand their reaction, and it’s safe to say they are still coming to terms with the news,” Morrison said. “They absolutely wanted to continue in MotoGP, and there’s a rumour that this turned into a bidding war between Pirelli and Michelin.”

Michelin reportedly had no interest in supplying Moto2 or Moto3, as they did not see value in developing tyres for those categories. Instead, they focused solely on retaining the MotoGP contract, which they ultimately lost to Pirelli.

Taramasso confirmed that Michelin remains committed to the championship for the remainder of its contract. The brand is set to introduce a new front tyre in 2026, with testing scheduled after the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez and again after the Aragon Grand Prix in June.

Rider concerns and recent tyre controversies

Michelin’s exit follows growing frustration among riders regarding tyre performance and allocation. Marco Bezzecchi was among those who voiced concerns during pre-season testing in Sepang, where he criticized the limited availability of the soft compound tyre.

Aprilia racing chief Massimo Rivola also pointed fingers at Michelin after Jorge Martin’s highside crash in Malaysia. The reigning champion suffered fractures in the incident, and a separate training accident later ruled him out of the Argentine Grand Prix.

However, Michelin defended its position, with Taramasso arguing that Martin had been pushing beyond the limit when the crash occurred. He maintained that the tyre supplier was not at fault after reviewing the data.

While Pirelli’s takeover is set for 2027, MotoGP has reportedly advised riders to avoid publicly criticizing Michelin in the meantime. Any issues related to tyre performance are expected to be handled internally rather than discussed in the media.

With two more seasons left under Michelin, MotoGP teams will need to adapt to the upcoming changes before Pirelli officially assumes control. The transition will mark a significant shift for the championship, as riders adjust to a new era of tyre technology in the sport.