MADRID (May 23, 2014) — The organizer of the MotoGP World Championship for motorcycles has named Group Michelin as the series' sole tire supplier starting in 2016, when the series will switch to a 17-inch wheel spec.
Michelin will succeed Bridgestone Corp. as the series' spec tire supplier. Bridgestone disclosed recently it was bowing out of the competition after the 2015 season, ending a 13-year run of being active in motorcycling top racing series.
Madrid-based Dorna Sports S.L., promoter and organizer of the MotoGP World Championship, did not disclose the length of its contract with Michelin nor financial terms.
Pascal Couasnon, director of Michelin Motorsport, said Michelin's interest in bidding for this contract reflects its policy of “carrying over our technologies from track to street…. (This engagement) fits perfectly with the new technical regulations which are due to be introduced in 2016 and which will dictate the use of 17-inch wheels.”
The MotoGP World Championship, which is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, features the discipline's most technologically sophisticated bikes, the power output of which exceeds 250hp,” Mr. Couasnon said.
“The series also stars the world's best riders and their efficiency is notably due to the confidence they have in their machines, particularly their tires. The discipline consequently serves as an exceptional proving ground for the technological innovations of tomorrow.”
