Upheaval in the 2027 Superbike World Championship: What will change with Michelin

With the switch to Michelin at the end of the season, the Superbike World Championship is on the brink of a major change. Pirelli has been the sole tyre supplier for the production-based World Championship since 2004, and over the past 20 years the manufacturers have adapted to the Italian manufacturer’s philosophy. Michelin takes a slightly different approach, and this could affect the balance of power.

When the Superbike teams test in Cremona on 9 and 10 September, Michelin will in all likelihood provide them with the tyres that will be used in the 2027 season. By definition, a new season begins immediately after the season finale; the first winter test takes place a few days later, on 22 and 23 October, in Jerez.

Tuning the motorbikes to the French tyres will be one of the most important tasks for all participating teams. Michelin will transfer innovations from MotoGP to production-based racing. “We can apply some of this to Superbike tyres and then to road tyres – from Hypersport and Supersport tyres right through to slick tyres for track days,” announced Piero Taramasso of Michelin at an early stage.

Asymmetrical tyres to be introduced in the World Superbike Championship from 2027

In MotoGP, asymmetric tyres developed for specific circuits have long been a familiar sight. The season opener at Phillip Island would be a possible circuit where the World Superbike Championship could benefit from this technology. Michelin has already confirmed to our colleagues at GPOne that tyres with different rubber compounds will be introduced in the top category.

For the Superpole, Michelin will continue along the path pioneered by Pirelli with the SCQ and will not offer a tyre that provides grip for just one or two laps. Durability is a higher priority for Michelin than maximum performance. There will therefore be soft compounds suitable for qualifying sessions and the ten-lap Superpole race. It is safe to assume that the French manufacturer will need to deviate from this less frequently than was the case with Pirelli.

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