Pirelli will become the official tyre supplier to Moto3 and Moto2 in the MotoGP paddock from 2024, it has been announced, replacing Dunlop.
Dunlop’s history in the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships goes back to their respective inceptions in 2010 and 2012, but that will end at the end of 2023.
Pirelli, which has been the sole tyre supplier to the WorldSBK championship - and its support categories - since 2004, will take up the role of sole tyre supplier also for Moto3 and Moto2 from next season with its Pirelli Diablo Superbike tyres.
The Italian company’s contract will last three years until 2026, and will also see it exclusively supply the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, all classes of the FIM JuniorGP series (meaning European Moto2, European Talent Cup, and JunioGP itself), Asia Talent Cup, and the Northern Talent Cup.
Aldo Nicotera, Senior Vice-President and Head of Moto and Cycling, Pirelli, said: “We are proud that Dorna has chosen us to become the new Moto2 and Moto3 supplier for the next three seasons. This is further recognition of our authority in motorsport and also a clear sign of appreciation for the work we have been carrying out in the Superbike World Championship for 20 years.
“With this new supply agreement, we will accompany the young hopefuls of motorcycling to the top competitions, WorldSBK and MotoGP. And, faithful to the philosophy that has distinguished us for years, we will do so by continuing to use standard products on sale in the market and available for purchase to all motorcyclists.”
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, Dorna Sports (MotoGP promoter), said: “We’re super happy to welcome Pirelli to the paddock as the sole tyre supplier for Moto2 and Moto3. These Championships are the best example in motorsport of strong feeder classes that also stand alone as high-level competitions, in terms of both their sporting and commercial value.
“So we’re very happy to have seen such a high level of interest from Pirelli and to reach this agreement. Welcoming a new partner also underlines our sport’s strong connections and relationships with the industry, and we’re very much looking forward to working with Pirelli across a number of areas, including performance, road-relevance and, of course, sustainability.”
Pirelli’s deal with MotoGP for the Moto2 and Moto3 championships comes after it was confirmed that Bridgestone has submitted a formal application to become the official tyre supplier of the Formula One World Championship. Were Bridgestone to win the F1 contract, it would end 13 seasons of Pirelli involvement in the championship.
