Tardozzi: WorldSBK tyre leap linked to Pirelli MotoGP development
Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi says Pirelli’s MotoGP tyre development is behind last season’s boost in WorldSBK performance.
Davide Tardozzi believes development of Pirelli’s future MotoGP tyres has led to significant performance gains in the World Superbike Championship.
Pirelli’s prototype MotoGP tyres remain something of a mystery, with all development to date being carried out behind closed doors in private tests.
However, Ducati MotoGP team manager Davide Tardozzi believes Pirelli has also using been using its current position as WorldSBK tyre supplier to develop the future grand prix rubber.
“I’m certain that the progress made in the Superbike World Championship over the past year and a half is related to the work Pirelli is doing for MotoGP,” Tardozzi told Speedweek.com.
“In the past, Pirelli tyres would degrade towards the end of races, but that’s no longer the case.
“Even though the engine displacement is reduced [to 850cc], the motorcycles will have more power and less weight than a Superbike.
“This means more stress on the tires. Pirelli is aware of this - and they’re already showing that they’re taking action.
“In some races in 2025, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicolo Bulega were 20 seconds faster than the previous year - that’s not down to the bike or the rider, that’s down to the tyres.”
The next Pirelli MotoGP group test is expected to be held at Misano at the end of May, with factory test riders.
Full-time MotoGP riders are then expected to try the Italian rubber for the first time at a post-race Brno test on 22 June.
While Pirelli is taking over from Michelin in MotoGP next season, the French company will become the new WorldSBK tyre supplier.
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