Pirelli Gears Up for MotoGP's New Era as Sole Tyre Supplier in 2027

In a significant shift for the world of MotoGP, Pirelli is diligently preparing to assume the mantle of sole tyre supplier in 2027, marking the end of Michelin’s tenure and ushering in a new era for the premier motorcycle racing championship. This transition coincides with sweeping technical regulation changes, including a reduction in engine displacement to 850cc, limitations on aerodynamic enhancements, and the elimination of dynamic ride-height devices, collectively aimed at enhancing competition and rider skill.

Pirelli, a renowned Italian manufacturer with a rich history in motorsports, has already initiated its preparations, conducting initial prototype tests at the Misano circuit in September. Further testing is scheduled throughout 2026 to refine the tyre compounds that will be used in MotoGP. Giorgio Barbier, the racing director of Pirelli’s motorcycle division, is at the forefront of this ambitious project, steering the company’s efforts to meet the unique demands of MotoGP.

In a recent interview, Barbier provided insights into the current stage of Pirelli’s MotoGP tyre development process. "We are in the initial phase," he explained, "considering that we are starting a new project with specific dimensions for MotoGP, which uses larger rims than WorldSBK. We need to carefully manage the batches we’ll deliver to the different manufacturers, so they can carry out the relevant tests and develop the bikes throughout next season."

The Misano test served as a crucial benchmark for Pirelli. Held immediately after a MotoGP race under similar weather conditions and on a rubbered track, it allowed Pirelli to gather valuable data on tyre performance without significant adjustments to the bikes. "The Misano test went very well, and I didn’t want to question it because it was carried out in perfect conditions," Barbier noted. "Arriving with our tyres mounted on the bikes as is, without being able to make many adjustments, provided good information for us, for the manufacturers, and for the teams. We established the benchmark we wanted to continue working with."

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With the current season concluded, Pirelli is now poised to begin testing with the new 850cc bikes, providing manufacturers with tyres that align with the performance levels achieved during the Misano benchmark.

When asked about the potential advantages of Pirelli tyres, Barbier acknowledged the challenges of catering to the diverse needs of five different manufacturers. However, he highlighted the positive feedback received from riders who have transitioned from MotoGP to WorldSBK, particularly regarding the front tyre. "From the information we’ve received from riders who have moved from MotoGP to WorldSBK, they point to the front tyre as the strong point," he said. "Because of everything it communicates and its good feedback. It speaks to the rider; it allows them to understand track conditions and, consequently, gives them confidence. And that’s very important, because the front end is fundamental for riding."

While Pirelli’s MotoGP tyres will undoubtedly share the company’s DNA with those used in SBK and Moto2, Barbier emphasized the importance of maintaining the Pirelli spirit. "It’s clear that our DNA is present in all of them, because the manufacturing process is the same," he stated. "Therefore, regardless of size, the Pirelli spirit must remain intact, and we want it to stay that way, because it’s what keeps us connected to the market."

Pirelli has refrained from directly engaging with MotoGP riders at this stage, respecting the existing contractual obligations between Dorna, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, and the current tyre supplier. However, Barbier confirmed that Pirelli is actively collaborating with technicians and manufacturers’ engineers to gather insights and understand their requirements. "We have our own idea although, obviously, we’ve spoken with the technicians and we’re in contact with the manufacturers’ engineers," he said. "We know the environment, we’ve known the paddock people for many years, and we have an idea of how we want to do things in the future."

Barbier downplayed the notion that riders with prior experience with Pirelli tyres in Moto2 or WorldSBK would have a significant advantage. "I have great respect for MotoGP riders," he stated. "I think they won’t have major problems understanding a new tyre. What we’ve seen over the years with great riders like Carlos Checa, Troy Bayliss, Alex Barros or Max Biaggi, when they arrived in Superbikes, is that they understood the tyres immediately. Some won their first race very quickly, so I don’t see any major issue from that point of view. What is clear is that those who have more time and more opportunities to test our tyres throughout next year, those riders will have a slight advantage in 2027."

In recent MotoGP seasons, tyre performance has often been measured by lap records. Barbier acknowledged that Pirelli would continue to pay close attention to performance, recognizing it as an important indicator of progress. "This was a key point when we became the sole supplier in Superbikes; since there was no competition, how do I measure my development, my progress?" he explained. "First, I measure it by product quality; that is, that all riders have a similar product that adapts well to their bikes, regardless of the manufacturer. Then, we look at the records. If I improve every year, it means I’m doing a good job. So yes, we pay close attention to performance in this sense, and it remains an important indicator for us."

However, Barbier emphasized that safety and collaboration with manufacturers and riders would be paramount. "The most important thing at first will be ensuring that all manufacturers and riders work well with us, and that we feed back into each other," he said. "Understanding the needs, and establishing with Dorna what limits we want to set for this championship in terms of spectacle."

Pirelli has a proven track record of prioritizing safety without compromising performance. "We have never sought concessions in terms of performance," Barbier stated. "In WorldSBK, improvements are important. It’s clear that in a world championship of this level, competition, specialisation and high performance are important. We can’t make tyres out of wood or iron to avoid problems. In Moto2 and Moto3, in two years, we have achieved great things—and always safely."

Addressing concerns about tyre consistency, Barbier assured that quality control is a fundamental element of Pirelli’s production process. "Quality is a fundamental element, and this is what we explained in detail to Dorna when we began discussing this project," he said. "In a company that mass-produces a standard product, in thousands of units, quality controls ensuring uniformity are essential. Although it’s possible for a defective tyre to appear, it’s unlikely that there would be a drift producing a large number of poor-quality units. The more units produced, the greater the guarantee of maintaining high levels of quality."

Pirelli’s MotoGP operations will be based at the company’s headquarters in Milan, where the Formula 1 division is also located. While F1 tyres are manufactured at a separate plant, Pirelli’s radial motorcycle tyres will continue to be produced in Germany. Barbier highlighted the potential for synergies between Pirelli’s F1 and MotoGP programs, particularly in terms of data analysis and working methods. "The synergies mainly come from a working method we’re developing through our relationship with the manufacturers," he said. "They request data from us that we can provide, also based on our experience in F1, so there will be continuous exchange in that sense."

As Pirelli prepares to embark on this new chapter in MotoGP, the company’s extensive experience in motorsports, combined with its commitment to innovation and collaboration, positions it well to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The 2027 season promises to be a watershed moment for MotoGP, with Pirelli playing a central role in shaping the future of the championship.