Michelin is the new title sponsor for Australian MotoGP

There’s a new title sponsor for the Australian MotoGP, now officially the 2016 Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Yes, you read right. Michelin, the French tire manufacturer, has just been announced as the title sponsor for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The home of the Australian MotoGP since 1989, Philip Island is touted as one of the best circuits in the MotoGP calendar. It has the reputation of hosting spectacular races, and, with its wide and undulating layout, wheel to wheel racing is not uncommon. Last year saw, arguably, the best race of the 2015 season; Marquez, Rossi, Lorenzo and Iannone swapping places and fighting it out for the top spot of the podium, with Marc Marquez taking the glory down under.

With the recent signing of Michelin as the Official FIM MotoGP World ChampionshipTire Supplier for 2016, the French company went on to secure the title sponsorship for the Australian race which will be held on October 23, 2016.

Michelin tires will be in the limelight come race day, as speeds of nearly 350kph can be attained at the Garner straight onto the right hander that is the Doohan corner, and, with pre-season testing providing positive results, Michelin will certainly up to the task of providing proper tires for all the teams. This ensures that fantastic racing action will once again be witnessed down under. Also, taking part in the festivities in Melbourne is the much recognized and loved Michelin Man, Bibendum.

In an interview, Gary Guthrie – Michelin President, two-wheel tire division, mentioned, “Michelin is back in MotoGP this year to take up a new technological challenge that will help us to enhance the performance of our road tires of tomorrow in line with our ‘track to street’ policy. Michelin is currently expanding in all its Asian/Pacific markets where motorcycling is ofter the most common form of private transport. The opportunity Dorna has given us to associate with Michelin with the Australian GP, which is one of the MotoGP rounds that bikers from all over the planet invariably look forward to the most eagerly, is a tremendous lever for us. It will enable us to reinforce the bond and engagement that exists between the Michelin brand and bikers right across this part of the world.”

“To come as the title sponsor of a grand prix as iconic as the Australian GP demonstrates the true dedication that Michelin have to the FIM MotoGP World Championship. We have had great races around Philip Island for almost three decades and thanks to Michelin tires this looks set to continue, Tires are one of the most critical parts of a motorcycle and we are pleased to helo Michelin develop their tires for the road with research and data they gather via MotoGP,” added Pau Serracanta, Managing Director Commercial Area of Dorna Sports.