WorldSBK announces switch to Michelin tyres in 2027

Michelin will become the Official Tyre Supplier for the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2027, ending a partnership with Pirelli that has lasted for more than two decades. A five-year deal will see the international production bike category race on Michelins until at least 2031.

The change will also apply to the World Supersport Championship and Women's Circuit Racing World Championship that currently race on Pirellis. The all-new World Sportbike Championship that’s set to replace the World Supersport 300 class in 2026 will also run on Michelin tyres from 2027.

WorldSBK’s adoption of Michelin tyres in 2027 coincides with MotoGP’s switch to Pirelli rubber (from Michelin) in 2027. Essentially, the two premier international road racing championships will be swapping tyre providers.

In the same vein as WorldSBK’s Michelin deal, MotoGP’s deal with Pirelli is for five years and will also apply to the MotoE electric bike championship. Grand Prix racing’s junior categories – Moto2 and Moto3 – switched to Pirelli from Dunlop in 2024.

According to a statement released by WorldSBK, the upcoming switch “highlights the shared commitment of Michelin and the Championships to innovation, sustainability, safety and ongoing development benefiting motorcycle users.”

Michelin describes the coming change as a “logical approach,” building on innovations developed in prototype racing and applying them to a championship with bikes that are closer to production models.

"WorldSBK offers an ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, whether on the track or on the road," said Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin Motorsport.

“The audience of this championship is mainly made up of enthusiasts who own super sport motorcycles. For them, we will do everything possible to deliver high-quality entertainment, supported by tyres with outstanding performance."

Michelin won’t be a stranger to WorldSBK in 2027, having been involved in the era of open tyre competition before the category introduced a single provider strategy in 2004. WorldSBK's approach back then was pioneering and has since been adopted by other motorsport series around the world. MotoGP introduced a sole tyre supplier in 2009, initially with Bridgestone, then Michelin from 2016.