Control Tyre Almost Certain for British Superbikes

It appears that at least one motorcycle championship will definitely change to a single tyre supplier for 2008. The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board of Great Britain (MCRCB) has been evaluating the feasibility of the competition with a single tyre supplier since September, and after much dialogue with riders and their teams, as well as with tyre companies, has elected to proceed with its plans for a switch to a single brand for both the Superbike and Supersport classes next year.

The two main contenders for the job are Dunlop and Pirelli, with the Italian manufacturer considered to have an edge on Dunlop in terms of experience in managing the type of logistics that would be involved. However Dunlop, who currently supplies the majority of the Superbike class teams and around half the Supersport teams with its products, is by no means in a weak position.

A number of media commentators have also speculated that Michelin, should they be ejected from MotoGP participation, may consider submitting a bid of their own. No indication of any such intention has been given by the French tyremaker, whose current British Superbike participation is not extensive, however unspecified sources within the British Superbikes apparatus are reportedly not ruling out Michelin as a potential candidate.

A tender process for selecting a tyre supplier has been initiated by the MCRCB, with an ‘invitation to tender’ document expected to be released before much time has passed.