In a major shake-up for global motorcycle racing, Michelin will take over as the official tyre supplier for the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) from 2026, while Pirelli will make a long-anticipated move to MotoGP, replacing Michelin as the sole supplier from the same season.
The announcement marks one of the biggest changes in racing tyre partnerships in recent memory. Michelin has been the exclusive tyre supplier to MotoGP since 2016 and brings a long legacy of premier-class experience to WorldSBK. Pirelli, meanwhile, has held the role of sole tyre supplier in WorldSBK since 2004 and will now return to the MotoGP paddock, having last competed at the highest level in the early 2000s.
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Dorna Sports, who promote both MotoGP and WorldSBK, said the switch is part of a broader strategy to bring fresh technical challenges and development to both championships, while also refreshing commercial partnerships.
Both tyre brands have deep motorsport heritage and extensive technical expertise, with Michelin focusing on continuous performance evolution through MotoGP, and Pirelli priding itself on tyre consistency and adaptability across a wide range of production-based bikes in WorldSBK.
The switch is expected to significantly influence race dynamics, team strategies, and ongoing tyre development, as both championships adjust to their new suppliers.
