Michelin’s preparations for 2027 enter the final phase: SBK test in Cremona

Pirelli’s time as the sole tyre supplier to the production-based World Championship is coming to an end. There are just four rounds of the 2026 Superbike World Championship remaining, after which Michelin will take over. In fact, the French company’s role officially begins with the first pre-season test, which will take place immediately after the season finale on 22 and 23 October in Jerez.

The Superbike riders have already had several opportunities to get a feel for the Michelin tyres. At the test at MotorLand Aragón in June, the lap times were already competitive. Ducati factory rider Iker Lecuona set the fastest lap on the first day of testing with a time of 1:49.387 – his best race lap of the weekend was 1:49.015 in the first race.

With the end of the season approaching, preparations by the specialists from Clermont-Ferrand are in full swing. And there will be another test, this time at the Cremona Circuit. When the Superbike aces take to the track on 9 and 10 September, they will most likely be trying out the final version of the Michelin tyres.

Michelin test just two weeks before the race weekend with Pirelli

Unfortunately for the teams and riders, the tenth round of the season will take place on the same circuit from 25 to 27 September, but they will still have to compete on Pirelli tyres.

Unlike Pirelli, Michelin will not be offering any special tyres for qualifying. Over the years, the Italian manufacturer had also moved away from this strategy somewhat, offering the SCQ tyre as an option that could be used for the Superpole and the 10-lap Superpole Race. Michelin will offer race tyres in various compounds.