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.

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Often affectionately described in the paddock as the “600s”, Supersport’s enduring appeal has been its ability to maintain costs at a manageable level, with bikes predominantly production-spec with limited modifications.

For Michelin, racing has been an integral and critical aspect of the company’s activities, serving not only as a marketing channel but also offering proof-of-concept for the company’s extensive R&D process.  Founded in 1889, the Michelin Group provides tyres to over 170 countries. The Michelin Group makes tyres locally for customers’ specific needs and road conditions in one of their 69 production facilities around the world.  

Doug Sharp, Michelin Australia: “Michelin Australia is proud to support the Supersport Championship, a category which always puts on a great show and has also become a launching pad for riders to create overseas opportunities in WorldSBK, WorldSS and BSB. In recent years, we’ve seen the likes of Oli Bayliss, Tom Toparis, Max Stauffer and Broc Pearson show their talent in the Supersport category. We’re sure that 2022 will again deliver great racing and we are all looking forward to the first round of the 2022 ASBK Championship and the Michelin Supersport Championship.”

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Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motorcycling Australia are excited to see Michelin throw their support behind Supersport. Supersport is well established as one of the jewel in the crown categories of ASBK, with many riders honing their craft and showing their potential in this fantastic category.”  

2022 ASBK Calendar

• Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
• Round 2 Queensland Raceway, Ipswich QLD 18 – 20 March SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, Sidecars
• Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW 22 – 24 April SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, Sidecars
• Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT 17 – 19 June * With Supercars – SBK Only
• Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD 5 – 7 August SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
• Round 6 Symmons Plains Raceway – Launceston TAS 20 – 23 October SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup
• Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC TBA – November TBC
• Round 8 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend SA 2 – 4 December SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
• ASBK Night of Champions Dinner – The Bend 4 December
  

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