Michelin pull out of MotoGP

Eurosport - Sat, 04 Oct 10:18:00 2008

French tyre manufacturer Michelin is to pull out of MotoGP after opting not to tender to be sole supplier in 2009.

MOTORCYCLING 2008 Australian GP Michelin tyres - 0

The decision leaves rival firm Bridgestone in pole position to provide rubber to the teams next season.

Motorcycling's world governing body the International Motorcycle Federation had decided to use a single tyre supplier for the championship.

They invited expressions of interest before a deadline of October 3 ahead of the Australian GP weekend at Phillip Island.

Once the deadline passed Michelin stated that it had not submitted a bid, while the FIM said it had received a bid from Japanese company Bridgestone.

That proposal will be considered at the next MotoGP in Malaysia with a decision expected on October 18.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 12 of 12

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  1. Damn sad story!!!! What the hell is the different between MOTOGP and 250cc next year?!?!?! FYI, 250cc are all using DUNLOP tires.

    In my opinion, to make things more competitive and interesting, MOTOGP should make the rules that every team should have 2 different tire suppliers! That will make things different!

    From Jacky, on Sun 5 Oct 9:21AM

  2. well,well well well,i suppose michelin are feeling the defeat!!!THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL RIDER VR46 jumped the boat because he couldnt match the PACE of Desimosedici GP5 of CS27!!then Ped le rosa followed,who is next JR48?its about time,n its BS tyres time to take over)))michelin oure voir)))welcome de Japanise Manufacture to the business)))we gonna have a HeLL of a Season next year))))))cant wait 4 it)))

    From rvp1984, on Sat 4 Oct 10:10PM

  3. I thinks its stupid that only one tyre manufacturer competetes, I think someone forgot why these races happen. But then I suppose things are forgotten when money becomes a first focus. They should have allowed any tyres and manufacturer, so long as they can afford it.

    From petersantmanduca, on Sat 4 Oct 8:21PM

  4. What's next?? Only one sponsor? Only one engine supplier? Only one rider?

    From wildndizzy, on Sat 4 Oct 7:43PM

  5. This is another nail in the coffin of Motogp as a means for prototype development both of motorocycles and tyres. The excuse of rider safety by Dorna et al is laughable, what they are really concerned about is uncompetitive racing where riders on one manufacturer's tyre completely dominate those riders on another manufacturer's tyre. I hope Michelin are able to claim all three podium spots in the remaining races just to illustrate the miscalculation that has been made, and highlight the short-term thinking of those supposedly running the sport. If Stoner wins at PI, that'll be more down to his sheer bloody-mindedness than any benefit from the tyre he uses! Go Jorge...

    From W R A, on Sat 4 Oct 7:11PM

  6. Put them all on Maxxis and lets watch the fun, Yehaaaa !!

    From Bozzy, on Sat 4 Oct 6:12PM

  7. it's better to have two or more constructors. that guarantees the fight for supremacy and progress...

    From Razvan, on Sat 4 Oct 5:30PM

  8. Well, It looks like the battle has been lost. Without competition between tire manufactures we, the riding public, will just have to sort out which tires are best. I just hope that advances in technology will not suffer. The battle for next year MotoGP champion will be even closer, which is good for the teams and viewers. This highlights the Doctor's abilities to diagnose a bike problem and correct it. With all the players shifting around next year will be hard to predict.

    From Ken, on Sat 4 Oct 4:47PM

  9. they had to show f1 tyres as all the gp tyres were shredded to bits cause there total @#$%

    From sjones435@..., on Sat 4 Oct 4:45PM

  10. AH JUMPING BEFORE YOU ARE PUSHED SPRINGS TO MIND....AFTER VALE WENT THEN SHORT ARSE DANI JUMPED SHIP BRIDGESTONE WERE A CERT TO GET THE CONTRACT..

    WELL DONE BRIDGESTONE BETTER TYRES BY A MILE.....THATS A COUNTRY ONE AT THAT....

    PS. CA MON OUR JONNY REA. ULSTER'S FINEST....

    From gary.colwell@..., on Sat 4 Oct 3:42PM

  11. so... the report is that michelin did not bid..so the picture isn't bad..

    From lorrainecassar, on Sat 4 Oct 2:10PM

  12. aren't those Michelin F1 tyres in the photo...how about being a bit more professional Eurosport.

    From alberthl, on Sat 4 Oct 1:04PM
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