Michelin Named Exclusive Tyre Supplier for WorldSBK from 2027

French tyre giant Michelin signs five-year deal through 2031, taking over from Pirelli as the official supplier for all WorldSBK categories.

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The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is set for a major change in 2027, as Michelin has been confirmed as the exclusive official tyre supplier for all classes of the series, replacing long-time partner Pirelli. The new agreement will run for five seasons, from 2027 to 2031, covering WorldSBK, WorldSSP, the upcoming World Sportbike (WorldSPB) class, and the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).

The move marks a significant shift in the championship’s technical landscape, with Michelin bringing its decades of motorsport experience and innovation to support the intense demands of WorldSBK racing. According to the announcement, the focus will be on enhancing tyre performance, safety, durability, and sustainability, a philosophy shared by both Michelin and Dorna, the organisers of the WorldSBK Championship.

“We’re excited to bring Michelin’s racing expertise to the Superbike paddock,” a representative noted. “This partnership isn’t just about tyres, it’s about pushing the boundaries of motorcycle performance in a way that also benefits everyday riders.”

Until the end of 2026, Pirelli will continue to serve as the championship’s exclusive tyre supplier, a role it has held since 2004. Pirelli’s 20+ year contribution played a pioneering role in motorsport by making WorldSBK the first international series to use a single-tyre supplier, a format later adopted by MotoGP, Formula 1 and others.

Interestingly, this move coincides with Pirelli’s own shift to MotoGP, where it will become the official tyre supplier for the premier class starting in 2027, effectively replacing Michelin there. It marks a symbolic exchange between two of the most renowned names in motorcycle tyre development.

For Michelin, this new partnership offers the opportunity to test and evolve its technology across various race classes and circuit types under real-world, high-pressure conditions, insights that often trickle down to consumer products.

As WorldSBK heads into its final two years under Pirelli, fans and teams alike will no doubt look forward to what the next chapter with Michelin will bring, especially with new categories like WorldSPB and WorldWCR set to join the grid.