A Top-Secret Michelin Development Tire Is Stolen At A British Superbike Race, And The Company Reconsiders Involvement In Non-MotoGP Series

A Top-Secret Michelin Development Tire Is Stolen At A British Superbike Race, And The Company Reconsiders Involvement In Non-MotoGP Series

© 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

TYRE THEFT CAUSES CONCERNS FOR MICHELIN Michelin recently suffered the theft of one of its latest-technology tyres during a British Superbike Championship event. Having reported it to the police, an investigation showed that this theft appeared to have been professionally carried out. In an effort to safeguard its industrial secrets, Michelin therefore has to seriously consider its involvement in competitive race series outside the MotoGP World Championship. Michelin’s Head of Motorcycle competition, Nicolas Goubert explains: “Since what used to be the Superbike World Championship went for the one tyre brand rule, we, at Michelin, started taking part in the British Superbike Championship. We did that only because we were asked by our long term racing partner Honda Racing Corporation to be there in order to get ready to prepare the Suzuka 8 Hours. We have enjoyed great success together, winning 6 out of the first 8 races of the 2005 season, being involved with a single two bike team. “Such a success can only be achieved with great bikes, great riders and of course state of the art tyres. Unfortunately, during the last event at Mondello Park our Michelin truck got broken into and a single tyre went missing. Would a ‘sneak thief’ take all these risks to grab a single tyre that he would probably not even know where it can be used? I don’t think so! Is it the first time ever that a racing Michelin tyre goes missing? No, unfortunately not, but it is the first time somebody has broken into one of our trucks on a paddock during a race week-end in order to steal one. We are obviously very proud of our record in all forms of motorcycle racing and of our technological leadership. Given this sort of incident, we are obliged to seriously consider whether we can afford to participate anywhere outside the MotoGP arena with state of the art products. “In the meantime, as we have always done, we will try our best to enhance our technology to make sure we keep our technological leadership in MotoGP.”

Latest Posts

WorldSBK: Bulega Undergoes “Arm Pump” Surgery In Italy

Nicolò Bulega underwent surgery for compartment syndrome Nicolò Bulega underwent...

How To Identify Real Vanson Leathers

Vanson has been producing jackets, riding/racing suits, and other...

Kato Named New President Of Yoshimura Japan

Editorial Note: Yohei Kato is the grandson of Yoshimura...

Suzuki Hayabusa Anniversary Celebration Scheduled April 27 In Concord, NC

SUZUKI HAYABUSA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMING TO CONCORD, NC “Hayabusa Homecoming”...

Oxley Bom Podcast: Hanging With Jorge

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner...