Ducati uses World Superbike Championship know-how for MotoGP tyre revolution

The switch from Michelin to Pirelli marks the start of a new technical era in the 2027 MotoGP season. Whilst all manufacturers will have to adapt to the new tyres, Ducati is starting with a decisive advantage. Thanks to its successful Superbike programme, the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer has more than two decades’ experience with Pirelli – a wealth of knowledge that is now being channelled directly into the development of the new 850 cm³ prototype.

Pirelli has been the sole tyre supplier to the World Superbike Championship since 2004. During this time, Ducati has gathered a vast amount of data and continuously developed its motorcycles in partnership with the Italian tyre manufacturer. It is precisely this expertise that is now benefiting the MotoGP department.

Closer collaboration between Ducati’s racing projects

“Yes, definitely,” confirmed Ducati technical coordinator Marco Zambenedetti in an exclusive interview with SPEEDWEEK.com when asked about closer collaboration between the two racing departments. “As you said, we work very closely together. Within Ducati Corse, there are engineers who specialise in analysing tyre data. I myself follow both championships.”

Marco Zambenedetti

Foto: Ducati

Right from the start of the season, the exchange of information from the World Superbike Championship department to the MotoGP engineers intensified. “We’ve started passing on as much of our experience as possible to them,” explained Zambenedetti. “They now have enough information. The main focus now is on getting to know the Pirelli tyres developed for MotoGP.”

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Although this knowledge cannot be transferred on a one-to-one basis, many experts and riders agree that the tyres share the same DNA. “Of course, these aren’t exactly the same tyres we use here,” confirmed the Italian. Nevertheless, years of experience with Pirelli’s working methods and tyre characteristics significantly shortens the learning process.

No other manufacturer understands Pirelli tyres as well as Ducati

Whilst Ducati can draw on a vast wealth of experience, other manufacturers face a much greater challenge. Aprilia and KTM are not currently represented in the World Superbike Championship and therefore do not have access to comparable up-to-date data or development work with Pirelli tyres from a production-based world championship.

In der Superbike-WM 2026 fahren die Ducati-Piloten Kreise um ihre Gegner

Foto: Gold & Goose

However, the exchange of knowledge works both ways. Whilst MotoGP is switching to Pirelli in 2027, the World Superbike Championship is set to have a new sole tyre supplier in Michelin. “At the same time, we’re doing exactly the opposite with Michelin,” revealed Zambenedetti. The Superbike division is therefore already drawing on insights from MotoGP to prepare for the upcoming tyre change as early as possible.

The MotoGP regulars gathered their first insights with the new 850-cm³ prototype as early as mid-June during testing at Brno following the Czech Grand Prix. Another important development test is planned for September in Spielberg.