Michelin has officially announced a landmark move in the world of motorcycle racing: beginning in 2027, the French tire giant will become the exclusive tire supplier for all categories of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). This decision marks a significant evolution in Michelin’s motorsport strategy, underscoring its commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability.
This strategic partnership builds on Michelin’s proven successes in elite motorcycle series such as MotoGP and MotoE. By joining WorldSBK—where the race bikes are closely related to commercially available models—Michelin aims to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge technology from the racetrack to the road.
“We are very pleased to be able to commit to a world-class motorcycle racing championship starting in 2027,” said Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin Motorsport. “The WorldSBK offers an ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, whether on the track or on the road.”
With this exclusive supplier agreement, Michelin isn’t just providing tires—it is reinforcing its mission to serve all riders through high-performance, durable, and sustainable products. Innovations developed for WorldSBK, including advancements in renewable and recycled materials, are expected to directly benefit everyday motorcyclists, particularly those riding sport and supersport motorcycles.
Michelin is no stranger to the WorldSBK paddock. In the early 2000s, it captured 12 titles during the championship’s open-competition era. This return signifies not a nostalgic move but a forward-looking effort to bring Michelin’s latest technological capabilities into one of the most dynamic and passionate racing communities.
This renewed involvement also aligns with Michelin’s global ambitions, especially in key emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, where the popularity of performance motorcycles continues to grow. The WorldSBK audience—largely composed of avid riders and motorcycle owners—represents an ideal demographic for Michelin’s advanced tire solutions.
As the 2027 season approaches, manufacturers, teams, and riders can look forward to the support of Michelin’s world-class development and performance analysis teams. The partnership promises to elevate the quality of competition in WorldSBK while championing Michelin’s dual pursuit of sporting excellence and environmental responsibility.
To learn more, visit www.michelin.com or explore Michelin Malaysia’s motorcycle tire offerings at www.michelin.com.my/motorbike.
