Michelin, Dunlop extend MotoGP supply contracts

MADRID — The sanctioning body for the MotoGP World Championship has extended race tire supply contracts with Michelin Motorsport and Dunlop Motorsports for the global motorcycle racing series' various classes.

Dorna Sports S.L.'s deal with Michelin, for the series top class for 1,000cc prototype machines, is extended for five more years, through the 2023 season. The sanctioning body's deal with Dunlop, for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes (600cc and 250cc engine displacements, respectively), are through the 2020 season.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Michelin took over the supply contract for the series' top class in 2016 from Bridgestone Corp., which had been the series' spec tire supplier for 13 seasons.

"Michelin intends to use its continuing association with Dorna Sports to continue developing ever-safer and more competitive racing tires, as well as innovations that will go on to benefit our road tires," Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon said.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said his organization is "proud that our partnership will once again form the foundations of a further five years of stunning racing. This is fantastic news for the championship, teams and riders as we look to the future."

Xavier Fraipont, managing director of Dunlop Motorcycle and Motorsport, Europe/Middle East/Africa, said the contract extension continues Dunlop's "long and successful relationship" with Dorna in Moto2 and Moto3.

"Top level motorcycle racing allows us to test and develop new constructions and compounds. We then apply the learnings to our award-winning tires such as the Dunlop SportSmart MAX and the new SportSmart TT."

Dunlop has been the tire supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes since they were launched in 2010 and 2012, respectively, replacing the outgoing 250 and 125 classes.

Mr. Fraipont also noted Dunlop is "constantly pushing forward and bringing new technologies to the sport."

Pau Serracanta, managing director of Dorna Sports, Commercial Area, called Dunlop the "perfect collaborator for Moto2 and Moto3" and said another three seasons racing together "is cause for celebration for all involved."

The 2018 MotoGP season comprises 19 race weekends at tracks in 16 countries on four continents, starting March 17-18 at Losail International Circuit in Qatar and concluding Nov. 17-18 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.