Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli will remain as the sole supplier for the World Superbike Championship through to 2020 after signing a new two–year deal with Dorna Sports.
Pirelli became WorldSBK’s sole tyre supplier back in 2004, providing production tyres for the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes of the world championship.
Now in the 14th season in WorldSBK, the extension of Pirelli‘s current deal at the end 2018 will see the Italian firm become the longest serving tyre supplier in WorldSBK history.
“We are historically a strong sporty DNA brand,” Pirelli‘s Racing Activities Director Giorgio Barbier said.
“This year we celebrated 110 years of motorsport activity, and this renewal is a strong sign of our continued business strategy that has enabled our company to establish itself as a benchmark in racing.
“First of all in the segment of racing and Supersport tyres, and then with great success in both development and sales across the range.
“The bond between Pirelli and the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has always been solid.
“Over the years we have strongly contributed to the growth of the championship and, at the same time, thanks to our participation we have succeeded in developing successful products which we have made available to all motorcyclists.
“Now we are thinking about the future, we will work together with Dorna on the growth of the championship and especially with the new Supersport 300 class, because today’s young riders will be the future protagonists of tomorrow’s World Superbike Championship.”
2017 has not been an easy year for Pirelli, with several high–profile tyre failures at Donington and Misano seeing the Italian firm come under fire.
However, WorldSBK Commercial and Marketing director Marc Saurina still thinks Pirelli is the best company to supply the series with tyres.
“To have Pirelli on board for another two seasons is fantastic news for the championship, and to reach the milestone of the longest running sole tyre supplier really shows the strong relationship the two companies have,” said Saurina.
“Providing all classes with such an important asset as tyres is something we take seriously, and we believe Pirelli are the perfect company to continue with.”
