French tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced it will remain as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier through to 2023 after agreeing a new five–year deal with series owners Dorna Sports.
Michelin returned to grand prix racing as sole supplier to the premier class in 2016 having last graced the grid in 2008, taking over from Japanese firm Bridgestone.
Despite teething issues in its first tests with front tyres, and two failures at the Sepang test and the Argentine Grand Prix, Michelin has been widely praised by most in the paddock for the peformance of its tyres.
In its near two seasons back in MotoGP, Michelin has contributed to 14 lap records – seven new race fastest laps and seven new qualifying records.
Delighted with the job Michelin has done since it returned, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta expressed his delight at renewing the partnership between both parties.
“I am delighted that MotoGP and Michelin will continue their collaboration for a further five years,” Ezpeleta said at a press conference at the Michelin–sponsored Australian Grand Prix.
“MotoGP has only continued to grow, excite and thrill fans since Michelin came on board as sole tyre supplier in 2016, and we are proud that our partnership will once again form the foundations of a further five years of stunning racing.
“This fantastic news for the Championship, teams and riders as we look to the future.”
Michelin’s Directo of Motorsport, Pascal Couasnon, added: “After two seasons that have seen tyre performance and strategy make a real contribution to the show delivered in motorcycle racing’s premier series, Dorna Sports has decided to extend its collaboration with Michelin as technical partner and exclusive tyre supplier for MotoGP for five more years.
“We are naturally delighted to have earned the confidence of Carmelo Ezpeleta and his team.
“Michelin intends to use its continuing association with Dorna Sports to continue developing ever safer and more competitive racing tyres, as well as innovations that will go on to benefit our road tyres.
“Michelin is also delighted to continue working with the teams and riders who gave us such a warm welcome back after our absence from the Championship and also to be able to build on the sense of pride felt by our staff following our successful return to MotoGP.”
