Why Michelin Taking Over WorldSBK is About More than Just Racing

Michelin will leave its role as the official tyre supplier of MotoGP following the 2026 campaign before starting a five-year agreement to provide rubber for the WorldSBK championship in 2027, however, the switch is not just about racing as the general public all over the world could benefit. 

The reason for that is because WorldSBK is full of the biggest brands which develop race bikes based off the same road-legal superbikes that everyone can get their hands on. This means the development Michelin puts in over the five years of its deal with WorldSBK, should create a trickle down effect for customers in the future.

Like Pirelli, Michelin is one of the leaders when it comes to quality and high-end development of race and road rubber. Michelin has been the official tyre supplier in MotoGP for the past 11 years, but taking over in WorldSBK means Pirelli will end its long-standing partnership with the series, which began in 2004.

Pirelli already supplies tyres for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes and in 2024 many records were broken, so it makes perfect sense for MotoGP to have the Italian brand jump across.

Michelin on the other hand will be developing rubber for the superbike series and it’s expected that the tyres used will be very similar to what the ‘everyday’ rider can use.

What this will likely do is allow track-tested technology to filter its way down to high-performance road tyres - the same tyres found on street-legal bikes such as the Ducati Panigale V4, BMW M1000 RR, Yamaha R1 and more, while potentially offering increased longevity, better grip and greater feedback.

Michelin will provide tyres for WorldSBK, WorldSSP, the newly-announced World Sportbike (WorldSPB) series (replaces the outgoing WorldSSP300 category), as well as the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com