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News has arrived of Michelin's farewell as the official supplier of the MotoGP and MotoE when its contract expires at the end of 2026. Pirelli, which is already the supplier of the minor classes since last season, will be taking its place as part of Dorna's plan to have a single supplier for all world championship and entry-level classes, such as the Rookies Cup and Talent Cup. The change will, therefore, coincide with the advent of the new regulations, when the new 850cc MotoGP bikes will be on the track.
Michelin's head of MotoGP and MotoE, Pietro Taramasso, went into detail about the reasons for this decision, which came at the end of a decade-long collaboration after taking over from Bridgestone.
"In recent months, we've been talking about the extension of Michelin's contract for the MotoGP after the 2026 season," he explained. "But, Dorna decided to opt for a single tire supplier for all the classes, from the MotoGP to the Moto3, but also for the MotoE and series such as the Rookies Cup and the Talent Cup. Unfortunately, this scenario has never been an option for Michelin, which has always prioritized the MotoGP and MotoE."
The manager then continued, speaking about his own reasons for their efforts, focused mainly in the premier class and the MotoE.
"The MotoGP represents the pinnacle of two-wheel racing," Taramasso continued. "And, for us, it's always been an opportunity to put every technological innovation to the test. It's the platform on which Michelin can acquire a lot of data and expertise and set new records with the help of the best manufacturers and riders in the world. In the MotoE, Michelin is pushing the limits of technology, creating a new standard, and incorporating more than fifty percent renewable sources into tires. Last year, you also got to see the new rear tire design for the MotoE, the 'race to vision,' a testament to Michelin's commitment to sustainability. We respect Dorna's decision that, for strategic issues, decided that having one supplier was better than having two, and we'll still remain focused in our role as suppliers for the 2025 and 2026 seasons until the contract expires, continuing to work in agreement with our partners."
The future of Michelin's MotoGP development is now uncertain. The development of the new front casing is in jeopardy.
"For now, we'll continue with the existing development projects, then we'll decide how to proceed in the months to come. A lot will also depend on the technical results of the new solutions we're assessing for the front. So we'll have more information regarding industrialization. It's going be a matter of a few months, then we'll make a decision," Taramasso concluded.
