Following on from the official announcement, Pirelli has revealed that its MotoGP tyres “will be different” to the compounds produced in the junior classes and WorldSBK.

It was announced that Italian tyre provider will be the official tyre supplier in the premier class from 2027, the start of the new regulation era.

Pirelli Moto Racing Director Giorgio Barbier didn’t reveal any details surrounding the tyres itself, but made it clear that their approach will be different for MotoGP.

“As per the announcement, we are still discussing important details we cannot reveal,” Barbier began to GPOne.

“So, I expect more discussions with the FIM, MSMA, and the manufactures, because we are still two years away from our debut.

“The motorcycles still have to be prepared, there are designs, but I have not seen the bikes yet, so it will have to be decided when we will take to the track, with what limits, with what riders and with what rules above all, which Dorna will have to set.

“For MotoGP [tyres will be different], we will have to build prototypes. Our approach will definitely be different than that of other manufacturers, with hyper specialised super prototypes, track by track.

“It will be a Pirelli approach, more industrial, qualitative and numerical. Consequently, the processes will be similar to the tyres we already supply, and the supply capacity will be different.”

Pirelli’s priority is to focus on ‘performance’

Barbier indicated that Pirelli’s point of focus is to maximise the tyre “performance.”

“In MotoGP, the cornering speeds and the dynamics would certainly be a challenge for the current Superbike tyres.

“At this point in time, there is no finished tyre design. I don’t know what the final design will look like, but we have to calmly ensure that every motorcycle manufacturer is able to develop reliably.

“Only then will we focus on performance, because for that we need time and tests to develop these tires.”

Producing the MotoGP won’t be a ‘huge effort’ amid monopoly fears

Pirelli operate in multiple racing series on both two and four wheels, including being Formula 1’s official tyre supplier since 2011.

It could be argued that the Italian brand’s placement in the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport, WorldSBK and now MotoGP means it is now a monopoly in all major racing series.

Barbier believes that its new MotoGP venture “is already very large” and wouldn’t take a “huge effort” considering the knowledge base it has so far in other motorbike racing series.

“I don’t think it will be a huge effort when you consider the number of riders, and considering the categories we already follow, from Superbike to BSB (British Superbikes) to Junior GP in Spain.

“The effort is already very large, but coming into MotoGP will be a real bath in the prototype world.

“When we entered last year in Moto2 and Moto3, we did it with tyres derived from Superbike, or at least tyres already on the market.”

READ MORE – MotoGP announces Pirelli as new tyre supplier from 2027

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MotoGP has formally announced a new agreement with Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli to become its new tyre supplier from 2027.

It was announced on Thursday that a new five-year contract, running through 2031, was being finalised, with MotoGP joining its junior classes and Pirelli becoming the new tyre supplier.

This agreement will officially start ahead of the new technical regulations era, debuting in 2027, providing one of the biggest shakeups to the series in recent memory.

Michelin is the current exclusive supplier of MotoGP tyres, meaning that the French company will continue to provide “technical support, its products, and world class technology” for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Pirelli is already a prominent figure in other motorsport series after becoming Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier since 2011.

In addition, the Italian brand also supplies its tyres in the WorldSBK series, although that deal is set to end after the 2026 season.

MotoGP’s statement read: “Further details on the tyre allocations and specifications to be supplied by Pirelli will be announced soon.

“Pirelli currently supply Moto2, Moto3 and much of the Road to MotoGP.

“Now, their presence in the sport will expand to the pinnacle of racing, MotoGP, and into MotoE, the electric World Championship.

“Michelin will remain the exclusive supplier for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the current technical regulations, at the close of the 2026 season.”

READ MORE – Michelin announces postponement of new MotoGP front tyre to 2026

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Pirelli has announced the tyres that will be used across the opening five races of the 2025 Formula 1 season, which includes a one-step softer allocation in Saudi Arabia.

The compounds available to the teams at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix will remain unchanged compared to 2024 as the C3, C4 and C5 have been nominated.

Pirelli’s range will be one step harder at the next race in China as the C2 will serve as the designated Hard tyre option to deal with the abrasive asphalt at the Shanghai venue.

The next rounds in Japan and Bahrain – two circuits with high degradation – will see the drivers equipped with Pirelli’s hardest tyres as the C1 will be available for the first time.

But although those selections replicate the choices that were made 12 months ago, Pirelli will bring an alternative assortment to Saudi Arabia in a bid to spice up the action.

The race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will mirror the compounds used in Melbourne, with the C5 being used as the Soft option compared to the C4 tyre in the 2024 event.

Even discounting Red Bull’s dominance at that time, the fourth race at the high-speed track had little strategic variance as all but one driver got to the end on one stop.

Pirelli explains Saudi Arabia tyre choice

Elaborating on the change for 2025, Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola said: “Based on our experience from last year and with the information gathered during the development phase of the new compounds, we wanted to go in this direction, to give the teams and drivers a wider range of strategy options.

“In 2024, 18 of the 20 drivers had started on the Medium, namely the C3 and an early neutralisation in the race pushed 14 of those to switch immediately to the C2, which was then the Hard, keeping it all the way to the end. With a softer trio, we believe this can lead to a situation where there could be a mix between one or two-stop strategies.”

As expected, the brand-new C6 compound will not be seen during the initial rounds, with the debut of the new tyre expected to come at the Monaco Grand Prix in May.

READ MORE – George Russell admits Pirelli’s 2026 F1 tyres ‘quite a step worse’

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Alpine and Williams remained in Bahrain following the conclusion of Formula 1 pre-season testing to complete a two-day 2026 Pirelli tyre test.

Using specially modified 2023 F1 cars to mimic the 2026 regulations, the A523 and FW45 for Alpine and Williams respectively, the two teams tested the new construction of tyre.

On Sunday, Williams fielded Carlos Sainz and Alpine fielded its reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, the duo tested the 2026 18-inch tyres which are 25mm narrower at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Sainz and Hirawaka tested the same compounds throughout their running but with tyres made up of various different constructions, completing 116 and 131 laps respectively.

Sainz’s fastest time was a 1:34.740 while Hirakwa posted a 1:35.336.

On Monday, Alex Albon and Paul Aron took over the driving duties for Williams and Alpine respectively and instead of testing varying constructions, the duo instead ran one construction but three different compounds, C1 through C3.

Aron covered 130 laps, the fastest in 1:35.407s.

Albon, meanwhile, completed 120 laps with a best time of 1:35.667s.

The next Pirelli 2026 tyre test will be carried out by Mercedes at Silverstone on May 7-8 to test intermediated and extreme wet tyres.

Pirelli hails ‘significant’ data gathering in Bahrain

“Another very useful day for the development of the 2026 tyres,” commented Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport. 

“Almost 2,700 kilometres completed, we have been able to gather a significant amount of data to take forward in our programme. 

“I would like to really thank the drivers and teams who extended their stay at the Bahrain track by a further three days at what is such a busy time, with less than two weeks to go to the first race. 

“In Sakhir we continued with a comparison of different types of construction and compound, the latter at the hardest end of the range, to suit the characteristics of this track. 

“Now, our colleagues in R&D will analyse the information carefully and provide useful indications so that we can continue to improve the product for the next generation of cars.”

READ MORE – Ferrari set for 2026 F1 tyre test with modified mule machine

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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are set to conduct a 2026 Pirelli tyre test at the Barcelona Formula 1 circuit next week in a specially modified Ferrari.

The 2026 F1 machines will usher in a new era for the series as the regulations get a dramatic overhaul.

Narrower, shorter and lighter cars will be introduced, coupled with active aerodynamics and a new construction of Pirelli tyres.

Accounting for the aero and chassis regulations, the 2026 Pirelli front tyres will be 25mm narrower than the current construction with the rears set to be 30mm narrower.

To help F1’s official tyre supplier gather data for next season, all 10 teams have signed up to conduct special testing in 2025 with the two-way benefits clear.

Italian publication Auto Racer claims Hamilton and Leclerc will be on track in Barcelona next week in a modified SF-24.

To help simulate the 2026 regulations and make the tyre data valuable, Ferrari will run the SF-24 30kg lighter than standard and run a low-downforce set-up, in accordance with the downforce reduction expected next year.

The test follows Hamilton and Leclerc’s TPC running the 2023 SF-23 machine in Barcelona this week, where the duo had been racking up the miles in preparation for the 2025 campaign.

Hamilton suffered a crash during the test, and motorsport.com’s Italian arm stated that the Briton’s accident occurred around 11 am local time Wednesday in the final sector and caused sizeable damage to the SF-23’s suspension and aero components.

Hamilton was unharmed, but Leclerc’s running was impacted.

McLaren conducts 2026 Pirelli wet tyre running

Pirelli’s 2026 preparations require wet and dry running to gather as much information as possible.

However, simulating wet weather conditions is easier said than done, if one is relying merely on mother nature.

That wasn’t an issue for McLaren and Oscar Piastri on Wednesday in Paul Ricard as the French circuit is heavily used as a testing facility.

As such, Paul Ricard has the capability to artificially soak sections of the former French Grand Prix venue and that was exactly what happened for Piastri as he completed 120 laps of wet running on a 3.463km configuration of the circuit.

McLaren is expected to be in Barcelona next week to continue 2026 Pirelli tyre testing alongside Ferrari.

2026 F1 cars set for 15% downforce reduction

Running 2024 cars with a low downforce set-up signifies a key change that is coming to F1 next season.

The 2026 hybrid power units will be relying on electrical power in a greater capacity and as a result, the FIA has drawn up the aero regulations accordingly.

However, when the draft 2026 aero regs were published last June, teams were concerned that the changes made were too drastic and that lap times would go up dramatically.

The governing body sought to make changes and Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has revealed performance progress has been made for next year’s F1 chargers.

“There has been an increase of performance of the car by probably about 50 points of downforce,” he said.

“This has brought the performance from what maybe was minus 40% compared to current cars, to around minus 15% in terms of downforce.

“In terms of performance, the resulting lap time of the cars is very close to current cars. All that has been done as was promised in June.”

“If we had made no change,’ he said. “I guess it would have been probably approximately another two seconds slower.”

READ MORE – Piero Ferrari compares Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton F1 debuts

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The FIA and Pirelli have collaborated to avoid a repeat of the tyre fiasco that plagued the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.

Last year’s F1 return to Qatar brought with it a tricky tyre conundrum.

A series of sharp 50mm raised surfaces on kerbs, colloquially referred to as pyramid kerbs caused microscopic separations on the sidewalls of the F1 Pirelli tyres.

The high-speed corner configuration of the layout meant F1 drivers were attacking kerbs more than usual, and an 18-lap maximum stint length was brought in to ensure the safety of all involved.

While this did introduce an intriguing three-stop GP, it is a situation that F1’s governing body has sought to avoid.

What makes things tricky is the fact that the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar is homologated by the FIA and FIM for both four and two-wheeled racing, so any changes must be a compromise to suit all series.

Pirelli has revealed that the 50mm raised edges of the pyramid kerbs have been rounded off at Turns 4 and 10 as well as Turns 12 through 14.

Moreover, a series of gravel strips have been placed behind select sections of kerbing to discourage drivers from pushing to the edge of the circuit.

Pirelli meanwhile, has been running a series of tests on a model of the revised kerbing back at its Motorsport R&D Department in Milan.

The data collected from this will be compared to that found from Testing of Previous Car sessions that have been carried out in Qatar this year.

Hardest true allocation brought to F1 Qatar GP

Due to the punishing nature of the F1 Qatar GP venue, Pirelli has brought the C1, C2 and C3 tyre allocation to the event, its hardest three compounds.

This allocation was previously used at Silverstone at Suzuka, two other circuits with complex sequences of high-speed corners.

Another issue in Qatar is the intense heat, which will be the subject of intrigue for Pirelli’s engineers.

In Vegas, the extreme cold caused significant graining, in Qatar, opposing temperatures will cause just as significant a headache when it comes to thermal degradation.

Also, with this year’s race running at the end of November, as opposed to the beginning of October, the searing heat won’t be as great as it was for the 2023 edition of the Qatar GP.

Instead, conditions could be similar to the inaugural Qatar GP in 2021, which was run on November 21 and saw a select number of drivers employ a one-stop it-stop strategy.

However, that was with the previous generation of F1 cars with wholly different tyres, so there are plenty of unknowns heading into this weekend’s event.

READ MORE – Charles Leclerc expects Qatar to provide blow to Ferrari F1 title prospects

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After Red Bull raised concerns, the FIA has reportedly closed its investigation into potential tyre cooling irregularities in Formula 1.

During the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, it became clear that Red Bull had suspicions that rival outfits, including but not limited to McLaren, were cooling their tyres via liquid injection.

Those suspicions stemmed from observations whereby moisture and water marks were found in wheel rims after tyres were stripped upon the conclusion of the Singapore GP.

The FIA and Single-Seater Director sought to speak with the teams and F1 tyre manufacturer Pirelli regarding the matter at Interlagos.

Moreover, scrutineering post-Brazil Sprint revealed that “the tyres used by all drivers during the Sprint today have been checked,” with no issues found.

In addition, Pirelli Director of Motorsport Mario Isola said he couldn’t see any glaring evidence proving F1 teams are employing a water-cooling trick with tyres.

“I cannot see anything strange from the data we have,” said Isola (via Motorsport.com).

“I don’t have any evidence. “It’s up to the FIA now to decide what to do and to tell us if we can support, because at the end of the day the only thing we can do is to support them.”

The FIA delivers its verdict on F1 tyre cooling

Having also closed matters regarding Red Bull’s front-bib controversy, the FIA also released a statement bringing matters to an apparent end on tyre cooling.

“The FIA investigated during the last grand prix in Brazil recent allegations that competitors may have used water to manage overheating of tyres,” the statement began (via Autosport).

No evidence was found to suggest any irregular behaviour.

“We consider both matters closed, but will continue to monitor the situation in detail.”

Will F1’s technical war continue in the final 2024 triple-header?

Red Bull and McLaren appear to be in a back-and-forth of finger-waving and accusations amid F1’s technical war.

From McLaren’s mini-DRS to Red Bull’s front bib device and the tyre cooling controversy, it’s no surprise that the FIA is having to investigate matters regarding teams who have title aspirations in 2024.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris have been engaged in a Drivers’ title fight of sorts, although the former’s remarkable victory at Interlagos has all but wrapped up that battle.

With three rounds and 86 points remaining, Verstappen leads Norris by 62 points in the Drivers’ standings.

Meanwhile, McLaren is in the best position to seal the Constructors’ standings with 593 points.

Ferrari is second in the standings with 557 points and Red Bull is in third with 544 points.

The Constructors’ title is by no means decided, so will the FIA have further technical controversies to settle in the final triple header of the 2024 F1 season across Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi?

READ MORE – Pirelli pour cold water on F1 tyre debate amid Red Bull concern

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Pirelli Director of Motorsport Mario Isola has yet to see glaring evidence proving Formula 1 teams are employing a water-cooling trick with tyres amid concerns raised by Red Bull.

F1’s latest technical controversy was brought to life at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix when reports emerged that Red Bull believed rival outfits used water to cool tyres.

The suggested method of injecting liquid via valves into the tyres prior to them being fitted to the car in a race caused Red Bull to ask the FIA to investigate.

The FIA responded by setting out to speak with teams and F1 tyre manufacturer Pirelli, with the later enterprise yet to see evidence of foul play.

“I cannot see anything strange from the data we have,” said Isola (via Motorsport.com).

“I don’t have any evidence. “It’s up to the FIA now to decide what to do and to tell us if we can support, because at the end of the day the only thing we can do is to support them.

“If there is anything we can do to check, or to give them advice on a possible situation, we are here to support.

“I’m not aware of any issue, but I heard the story, and I have also tried to understand why it should be done, which now I have an idea. But for the rest, it’s all in the hands of the FIA.”

‘No comment’ from Red Bull over Pirelli F1 tyre controversy

Red Bull had struggled with race pace ahead of the Sao Paulo GP relative to rivals McLaren and Ferrari.

However, in the Sprint at Interlagos, Max Verstappen could keep pace with Red Bull’s rivals before going on to clinch a dramatic wet race victory from 17th on the grid last Sunday.

After the race, Red Bull boss Christian Horner was asked whether the team’s improved race pace compared to its rivals was a coincidence or linked to the FIA’s tyre probe.

“No comment,” came his reply.

Ferrari’s Team Principal Fred Vasseur, however, was more talkative on the matter, saying he doesn’t understand the theory which stemmed from the observation of moisture in wheel rims at the end of the Singapore GP.

“One of the assets of the team this year is to stay away from all the polemics,” Vasseur said.

“I don’t understand the theory, because I think we are all trying to remove humidity from everywhere, not to do something to the tyres.”

Isola explains the benefits of water cooling

Isola said that employing a water injection tactic is a simple measure for teams, but it has downsides in the form of high trye pressures.

“How to do that is very easy,” he said. “You have a valve – and you just put water inside.

“But how the system works is a different story. It’s basically a thermal effect: heat transfer between the tyre and the rim that should give more consistency or less degradation to the tyre, even if you have worse control of the pressure.

“Obviously, if you have a vapour steam inside the tyre you lose the control of the pressure because you have a pressure that is higher.”

The post-Sprint scrutineering report at Interlagos found all tyres on the grid were compliant with the regulations.

Isola explained there are clear Technical Directives in place barring any foul play with F1 tyres, but reiterated “evidence” is needed to uncover any breach of regulation.

“The TD came some years ago when there was a discussion on this,” he said.

“There was a discussion also on special gases where it was suggested some teams were changing the gas into the tyre to better control pressure.

“Then someone started to talk about moisture in the tyre, and why we should have more or less.

“We supply the tyres with dry air inside. We have a dryer connected to our system, and they get all the tyres with dry air, as in the regulations.

“In the technical directive, it’s written that any modification to this is forbidden, and it’s quite clear. But then you have to have a clear evidence if you have a situation like that.”

READ MORE – Red Bull ignites McLaren F1 cooling tyre controversy

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Friday afternoon’s practice session for the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix will incorporate a Pirelli tyre test looking forward to the 2025 season.

A week on from the United States GP in Austin, Texas, F1 is ready to hit Checo Perez country around Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

The F1 Sprint format from last weekend is out, and in is a return to relative normality, with three practice sessions building up to qualifying and the Grand Prix.

However, Friday’s FP2 session will be extended to 90 minutes to accommodate a Pirelli “in competition test.”

In the 90-minute session, all competing drivers will test a range of softer compound tyres for Pirelli: a C4, a C5, and a new iteration of tyre, the C6.

The entire session will be “given over” to the test, with all drivers running a mandated run plan to balance short and long runs.

Each driver will be given two additional sets of tyres, one being identical to the standard range offered for the GP weekend (two Hard C3s, three Medium C4s and seven Soft C5s) and the second being the new prototype C6.

Through the run plan, Pirelli will gather data comparing the new tyre with its pre-existing counterpart.

All drivers will run the same amount of laps and the same fuel loads for each run plan (short and long), to keep the test as controlled as possible.

The information gathered during FP2 will then be applied to the post-season test in the days after the F1 season finale at Abu Dhabi.

Multiple drivers granted extra running in Mexico City GP FP2 session

Several drivers will be missing out on FP1 in Mexico this weekend with rookies making an appearance in the opening practice session.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for his second outing in the W15, following his brief appearance at Monza.

Felipe Drugovich will replace Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin and Robert Shwartzman will replace Zhou Guanyu at Sauber.

To help the seasoned drivers in these scenarios make up for last time in FP1 amid the Pirelli test in FP2, they will be granted an additional 30 minutes after the 60-minute test is concluded.

In addition, these drivers will be handed another set of medium tyres within their allocation.

FP2 will commence at 16:00 local time on Friday, October 25.

READ MORE: Felipe Drugovich to receive Aston Martin FP1 outing in Mexico

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Ferrari has completed a two-day test at the Mugello circuit sampling the 2025-specification tyres that Pirelli intends to introduce into Formula 1 for the next campaign.

Pirelli has held tests with various teams across Barcelona and Jerez in Spain to Suzuka and Paul Ricard as it gathers critical data on the rubber it aims to use in 2025.

Mugello was selected as the latest venue the Italian manufacturer chose to visit as its combination of medium to high-speed corners provides an ideal testing ground.

Charles Leclerc circulated 120 times around the track which hosted the inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix in 2020, using a Hard compound designed to reduce overheating.

However, a minor rain shower in the afternoon meant that the run programme was disrupted and Ferrari and Pirelli’s attention switched over to using the Intermediate.

Carlos Sainz sustained a more seamless time behind the wheel of Ferrari’s SF-24 car, though, as he recorded 135 laps to bring an end to Ferrari’s second Pirelli outing.

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