Misano MotoGP Reaction: Michelin confirms Dani Pedrosa split

Michelin has confirmed that Dani Pedrosa will no longer use its tyres in 2008, with the Spaniard making a shock switch to rivals Bridgestone from the Indianapolis GP.

As was reported by MCN this morning, Pedrosa will test Bridgestone tyres at Misano tomorrow having successfully negotiated a release from Michelin over the weekend.

Repsol Honda team-mate Nicky Hayden though will remain on Michelin tyres, having never been given the opportunity to switch.

Michelin just released a statement that read: “For 24 years Michelin and Honda have worked together at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Together the two companies have won 14 premier-class World Championships. The two companies fully understand the importance of the ‘feeling’ between the rider and the equipment he has at his disposal, including tyres.

“Despite making an excellent start to the season and leading the World Championship going into the German GP, during the last few races Dani Pedrosa has made it know to both Michelin and Honda that he doesn’t feel at ease with the tyres that Michelin have offered him.

“Honda and Michelin believe that rider confidence needs to be at its maximum if the rider is to fully exploit the tactical potential of the tyres. In these circumstances Michelin and Honda have therefore decided not to equip Pedrosa with Michelin tyres for the remainder of the season.

“Both Honda and Michelin hope that MotoGP will continue with a multi-tyre brand regulation in 2009. Michelin will equip one of Repsol Honda’s two riders for the remainder of the 2008 season.”

Pedrosa has been a fierce critic of Michelin in recent weeks, even though it was only four races ago that he led the world championship after the opening nine races.

But a slump has left the triple world champion pleading with HRC for a switch, and in the Michelin statement Pedrosa comments: “I thank Michelin and Honda for their mutual understanding and for agreeing to my personal demands.

“I am very conscious of the fact that I have made some excessively negative comments about Michelin tyres, even though Michelin helped me make an exceptional start to the season.”