Michelin has officially signed a five-year deal to become the exclusive WorldSBK tyre supplier starting from the 2027 season, marking a new chapter in the landscape of international motorcycle racing.
This strategic partnership, set to run for five years through 2031, is poised to reshape the technological and competitive environment of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, as the French manufacturer brings extensive experience and innovation-driven philosophy to the forefront of production-based motorcycle racing.
The announcement comes just months after Michelin revealed its departure from MotoGP at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a decade-long tenure as the sole tyre supplier for the premier class of motorcycle racing.
The transition is part of a broader reshuffling within the motorsport tyre supply sector with Pirelli – the exclusive WorldSBK tyre supplier since 2004 – set to take over Michelin’s role in MotoGP from 2027.
This reciprocal exchange between two of the industry’s most renowned manufacturers underscores the evolving commercial and technological priorities of both the championships and their suppliers.
The tyre manufacturer’s return to WorldSBK is seen as both a homecoming and a new challenge after previously competing in the series in the early 2000s, securing multiple championships during an era of open tyre competition.
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Ever since, WorldSBK has grown into a tightly regulated, production-based series with a global following, making it an ideal platform for Michelin to showcase and further develop its road-relevant technologies.
According to Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin Motorsport, WorldSBK offers an “ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, both on track and on the road.”
The championship’s passionate fan base, largely comprised of owners of high-performance sportbikes, aligns well with their commitment to deliver high-quality, high-performance products for both professional racers and everyday motorcyclists.
The five-year agreement between Michelin and WorldSBK covers all categories within the World Superbike Championship including World Supersport (WorldSSP), the newly introduced World Sportbike (WorldSPB) class, and the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).
