Pirelli reveals how WorldSBK forced the future MotoGP tyre provider into wholesale changes

Pirelli is set to switch from WorldSBK to MotoGP in 2027, ending a 23-year partnership that led the Italian company to change numerous aspects of its racing programme.

Pirelli will be replaced by Michelin, which is currently the tyre provider for MotoGP, creating a direct swap between the two tyre brands. 

When we think of WorldSBK, Pirelli is synonymous with the championship and has created various tyre specifications over the years to try and suit the continuously-evolving superbike landscape. 

Pirelli even designed development tyres intended for outright performance over very short distances, such as qualifying runs and the Superpole Race. 

That being said, Pirelli’s main challenge has been to evolve as a tyre provider at the same speed that WorldSBK has evolved as a championship. 

Speaking about the 23-year partnership with WorldSBK, and how that’s impacted the Italian brand overall, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, Giorgio Barbier, told WorldSBK.com:

“The Championship has changed a lot over these last two decades; we passed from a world in which riders arrived at the paddock in their own vans, and the electronics and aerodynamics weren’t very important. Riders were the only guides to give feedback to the engineers. 

“Many riders helped us in our mission to develop our tyres, each in a different way. Some riders gave us a lot of information; others gave us only very fast lap times. This partnership between Pirelli and the Championship was important from the beginning; Pirelli had to produce thousands of tyres for every race. This forced Pirelli to change its approach, both from a prototype and an industrial perspective, largely because of WorldSBK. This Championship gave a new identity to Pirelli's racing programme.”

In recent years, manufacturers have placed greater importance on electronics and aerodynamics when producing their road and race-spec superbikes.

Therefore, Pirelli has had to continuously adapt to deliver tyres that offer more grip, more performance, and more durability, while still offering “an acceptable price”. 

Barbier concluded by saying: 

“There were a few very proud moments over these years collaborating; one of those was when we realised there was a market for the racing tyres. We saw people leaving the road and riding on circuits to prove their own bikes. They showed interest, which led us to develop newer compounds like the SCX or SCQ. 

“Pirelli learned how to produce tyres with a high level of quality, strong performance, and an acceptable price. Being part of WorldSBK has been an incredible experience, not only in terms of professional work, but also as a life experience to meet so many people with the same passions and interests.”

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown