Michelin’s Exit from MotoGP: The Strategic Decision
Michelin, one of the most renowned names in the tyre manufacturing industry, has announced its decision to leave the MotoGP championship. This move comes as a result of Dorna, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, pushing for a single tyre supplier across all of its series, including MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE, as well as junior categories like the Rookies Cup and the Talent Cups. Michelin, however, was not interested in supplying tyres to these other categories, focusing solely on MotoGP and MotoE. The French brand’s departure marks the end of an era, given its significant contributions to the sport over the years.
The Pinnacle of Motorbike Racing
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s two-wheel competition manager, emphasized the unique value that MotoGP holds for the company. “MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorbike racing, with the best riders in the world and bikes capable of surpassing 300km/h, which have enormous power,” Taramasso explained. “This category allows you to gain experience and acquire a lot of data, which can be very useful for the development of commercial tyres.” The data collected from MotoGP, he noted, is unparalleled and cannot be replicated in any other series. Michelin’s commitment to MotoGP has been driven by the technical challenges and innovations that this top-tier championship presents, making it an essential platform for the company’s research and development efforts.
Sustainability in Motorsport
Michelin’s involvement in MotoE, the electric motorcycle racing series, has been a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy. “MotoE, on the other hand, was our platform to work on sustainable materials, and it made sense to do this with electric bikes,” Taramasso stated. Since entering MotoE, Michelin has made significant strides in integrating more than 50% sustainable materials into its tyres. This achievement aligns perfectly with the Michelin group’s broader goals of reducing environmental impact. The two championships, MotoGP and MotoE, provided a balanced approach for Michelin, combining high-performance data collection with sustainable development.
Quality and Focus
Taramasso also highlighted the importance of maintaining the quality of Michelin’s tyres and services. “Taking the rest for us didn’t make sense, and that’s why we didn’t want to continue,” he explained. “Besides, concentrating on just two championships meant that we could offer a better service to the drivers and teams. If, instead, you scatter your resources, you risk reducing the quality of service and tyres.” This strategic decision ensures that Michelin can continue to innovate and provide top-tier products in the specific areas where it sees the most value and benefit, rather than diluting its efforts across multiple series.
Pirelli’s New Role
Pirelli, the Italian tyre manufacturer, has been announced as the new tyre supplier for MotoGP, effective from 2027 to 2031. Pirelli already supplies tyres to Moto2 and Moto3, and it will also take over from Michelin in MotoE. This transition is part of Dorna’s plan to unify tyre suppliers across its various championships. Pirelli’s current commitments include a deal to supply the World Superbike championship until the end of 2026 and its flagship partnership with Formula 1, which is set to last until at least 2027. The company’s extensive experience in both road and racing tyre development positions it well to take on the new role in MotoGP.
Looking Forward
Michelin’s departure from MotoGP does not signify the end of its involvement in motorsport. Instead, the company will refocus its efforts on areas that align more closely with its strategic goals. By concentrating on MotoGP and MotoE, Michelin aims to continue pushing the boundaries of tyre technology and sustainability. The decision also highlights the ongoing evolution of the motorsport industry, where technological advancements and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. As Michelin steps aside, Pirelli’s entry into MotoGP signals a new chapter in the sport, promising to bring its own unique strengths and innovations to the table.
