Michelin gets MotoGP tire deal

Michelin has been announced as MotoGP's new tire supplier for when Bridgestone departs in 2016.

Bridgestone revealed its decision to leave the sport shortly before the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this month. MotoGP promoter Dorna and motorcycling governing body the FIM immediately opened a three-week tender process to find a replacement. Michelin swiftly emerged as the frontrunner, and the deal was confirmed on Friday.

A MotoGP statement said that three tire companies had expressed their interest, but Michelin had been the only one to submit a formal bid.

The French manufacturer was last involved in MotoGP in 2008, during the final year of its tire war with Bridgestone, after which the Japanese manufacturer took the deal to become control supplier.