MotoGP News: Michelin simplifies front tire allocation for the 2026
True to its sustainability strategy and commitment to optimising resources—implemented in MotoGP through a progressive and controlled reduction in the number of specifications made available to riders—Michelin announces an evolution of the front tire allocation starting from the 2026 season, in consultation with all Championship stakeholders.
A simplified and more efficient allocation
From 2026, the front tire allocation will evolve as follows at the majority of Grands Prix:
- 2 front tire specifications, instead of 3 in 2025;
- 7 tires allocated per specification, instead of 5 in 2025;
- 14 tires in total, instead of 15 in 2025.
This new distribution makes it possible to reduce the front tire allocation by one tire per rider per weekend, while offering greater freedom of choice thanks to an increased number of tires of the specification best suited to each rider’s style and the characteristics of each circuit.
This approach fully aligns with Michelin’s policy to reduce the number of specifications, limit the Championship’s environmental footprint and maintain a very high level of sporting performance.
An exception for circuits sensitive to climatic conditions
For circuits particularly exposed to weather uncertainty and temperature variations, the allocation will remain identical to that of the 2025 season, in order to guarantee safety, performance and sporting fairness.
The Grands Prix concerned are:
- Michelin Grand Prix of France (Le Mans)
- British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
- German Grand Prix (Sachsenring)
- Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island)
- Valencian Community Grand Prix (Cheste)
At these events, 3 front tire specifications will be maintained, with an allocation of 5 tires per specification.
A concerted and validated decision
This evolution of the front tire allocation for 2026 was defined in consultation with the teams, as well as with Dorna Sports, the IRTA and the MSMA, and was officially validated by the Grand Prix Commission.
Piero Taramasso, Manager of Michelin Two-Wheel Competition: “With this new rationalisation of the front tire allocation, we are continuing work that began back in 2018. Over the past eight MotoGP™ seasons, Michelin has halved the number of specifications offered to riders, while continuously improving safety and performance across an increasing number of circuits, as demonstrated by the many records that have been set.
By way of comparison, the 2018 season featured 58 different front and rear tire specifications for 19 Grands Prix, compared with 29 specifications in 2026 for 22 races. Thanks to this continuous optimisation approach, Michelin has progressively reduced the volumes of tires manufactured and transported.
Michelin thus reaffirms its commitment to reconciling technological innovation, environmental responsibility and sporting excellence, in the service of MotoGP™ and all of its stakeholders.”