MotoGP riders told they’re not ‘allowed’ to say one thing about Michelin’s tyres until Pirelli replace them

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Michelin will no longer be the tyre supplier in MotoGP from the end of 2026. As the sport enters a new era of regulations, Pirelli are set to take over.

The sport confirmed in a statement on Thursday that their partnership with Michelin would come to an end. Pirelli already have a deal in place with Formula 1 and they will now be represented in the top two-wheel category.

Michelin’s first stint in Grand Prix motorcycle racing began in 1992 and lasted until 2008. They then returned in 2016, replacing Bridgestone.

The French company were beset by controversy even before the 2025 season began. World champion Jorge Martin was injured in a severe testing crash, and Aprilia alleged that the tyres were to blame.

Michelin were adamant that Martin’s tyre was ‘high-performance’, rejecting Massimo Rivola’s criticism. However, they later revealed that the internal temperature of the compound was well below the normal operating window.

MotoGP riders can’t criticise Michelin until Pirelli take over

Speaking on the Tank Slappers podcast earlier this week, before the Michelin news was confirmed, journalist Uri Puigdemont strongly hinted at dissatisfaction within the paddock.

He revealed that, before the 2024 season, every team received an email laying out how they should speak about tyres. In effect, they weren’t allowed to be critical.

The convention was that any issues would be dealt with behind closed doors. Rivola clearly disregarded it after Martin’s Sepang accident.

Generally, if a tyre supplier is in the headlines, it’s for the wrong reasons. Pirelli have dealt with multiple scandals in Formula 1, including risks to driver safety, but that hasn’t stopped their contract being extended

“The riders don’t want to criticise Michelin,” Puigdemont said. “It’s a shame. But they are not allowed to criticise Michelin.

“It’s crazy the level of respect they need to show for Michelin. Last season, before the beginning, all the teams got an email from IRTA – the international road-racing teams association – showing them or suggesting what the riders should say about the tyres when they have a problem.”

How Aprilia’s rivals reacted to Massimo Rivola’s Michelin allegations after Jorge Martin crash

Pirelli replaced Dunlop in Moto2 and Moto3 in 2024, so they should be well prepared. The premier-class bikes will put their rubber under more strain, but it’s a natural next-step.

Come 2027, MotoGP will introduce smaller engines, and cut back on aerodynamics, to improve safety and sustainability while still promoting close racing. The new tyres will pose another challenge for the riders.

After Martin’s crash, Aprilia’s rivals suggested Rivola was protecting his own. He may not have been inclined to admit a rider error or a mechanical issue.

But if Michelin wanted a new deal, their public dispute with one of the manufacturers surely hurt their chances. Pirelli’s initial agreement runs until 2031.