Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has offered his reaction to the news that Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s official tyre supplier in 2027. Media day at the Argentina Grand Prix gave the riders their first chance to address the announcement.
MotoGP confirmed last week that their partnership with Michelin would come to an end following the conclusion of the 2026 season. The regulations will be overhauled for ’27, arguably making it the ideal time for a change.
The sport’s bosses wanted to unify the three Grand Prix classes under one supplier. This creates consistency and should help MotoGP rookies.
Pirelli already provide the rubber for Moto3 and Moto2. Michelin are involved in MotoE but they had little interest in the intermediate and lightweight brackets, which don’t serve their technological advancement interests.
There was tension between Aprilia and Michelin earlier this year after Jorge Martin’s serious accident at the Sepang Test. The French company put it down to an unseen temperature issue.
But a furious Massimo Rivola rejected that explanation. It’s unlikely this played a part in Michelin’s exit, with wider issues at play.
Marc Marquez admits he doesn’t like change as Pirelli prepare to take over from Michelin
Speaking to outlets including Motorsport Espana on Thursday, Marquez pointed out that he’s already experienced a MotoGP tyre transition. Michelin took over from Bridgestone in 2016, by which point the Spaniard was already a two-time world champion.
Marquez is one of three riders from the 2016 contingent still on the grid. The others are Pramac’s Jack Miller and Tech3’s Maverick Vinales.
The Ant of Cervera felt there were a series of ‘strange’ accidents following Michelin’s arrival. He doesn’t necessarily think this was the fault of the new entrants; it’s an inherent risk in changing suppliers.
Marquez is resistant to change, but rule-makers are aiming to make the bikes generally safer. In an attempt to reduce cornering speeds, they will move towards smaller engines.
“As a rider, I think I’m the only one who raced with another tyre supplier, Bridgestone,” Marquez said. “I don’t like changes in that sense, because it already happened when Michelin arrived, and there was an adaptation period in which there were many strange crashes.”
Frankie Carchedi only used one word after hearing about Michelin’s MotoGP exit
There’s a rumour in the paddock that Michelin lost a bidding war with Pirelli for the MotoGP contract. The Italians already have an agreement with Formula 1.
Intriguingly, Liberty Media’s proposed takeover of the top two-wheel series is under investigation amid fears of a monopoly. But there doesn’t seem to be any barrier to Pirelli widening their grip.
Michelin will press on with the development of a new front tyre, set to be introduced next year. They’re prepared to invest and honour their commitment despite their impending exit.
Marquez’s former crew chief Frankie Carchedi simply wrote ‘wow’ when he heard the tyre news. Clearly, he regards it as a significant moment for the sport.
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