Dunlop extends Moto2, Moto3 brand and technical partnerships

Since the Moto2 category of the F.I.M. Road Racing World Championship was launched in 2010, it has known only one tyre supplier. The same applies to the Moto3 class, which began in 2012 – both have run solely on Dunlop tyres since their inauguration. This status as official tyre supplier for both classes – which form an integral part of MotoGP race weekends – has now been extended to cover the 2018 to 2020 seasons. In addition to remaining as tyre supplier, Dunlop will also continue to promote its #ForeverForward Award.

“We are proud to continue our long and successful relationship with Dorna in Moto2 and Moto3,” states Xavier Fraipont, managing director of Dunlop Motorcycle and Motorsport EMEA. “We are constantly pushing forward and bringing new technologies to the sport. Indeed, we introduced a brand-new specification of Moto2 tyre at Valencia for the final round of the 2017 season and this was chosen by the race winner, Miguel Oliveira. Top level motorcycle racing allows us to test and develop new constructions and compounds. We then apply the learnings to our award-winning tyres such as the Dunlop SportSmart MAX and the new SportSmart TT.”

Successors of the 250cc and 125cc MotoGP categories, classes in which Dunlop considers itself to have been the “most successful tyre company,” Moto2 and Moto3 has produced champions that include Marc Marquez. Johann Zarco, Pol Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, proving their effectiveness in creating MotoGP front runners.

“It is an honour for us to count Dunlop as one of our longstanding collaborators within motorcycle Grand Prix racing,” shares Pau Serracanta, managing director of Dorna Sports, Commercial Area. “Tyres are one of the cornerstones of truly world-leading competition, and Dunlop are the perfect collaborator for Moto2 and Moto3 as both categories continue to provide some of the greatest racing and battles on earth. Another three seasons racing together is cause for celebration for all involved.”

This announcement continues Dunlop’s long history in World Championship Motorcycle racing. Dunlop tyres were chosen to win the first 500cc championship for motorcycles in 1949 (Les Graham, AJS). In the 250cc GP category, Dunlop claimed 17 World Championships before the category was replaced by Moto2.