Nicolo Brega feels that switching from WorldSBK to MotoGP is tougher than the reverse due to the different nature of Pirelli and Michelin tires. Currently the runner-up in the WorldSBK championship, Brega made his MotoGP debut when he stepped in for the injured Marc Marquez in the last race of the 2025 season.
Brega’s longtime Superbike competitor, Toprak Razgatlioglu, will move full-time to MotoGP in 2026, while Miguel Oliveira will head the other way, joining BMW’s factory WorldSBK team after leaving Pramac Yamaha. When asked which transition is more challenging, Brega said the confidence provided by Pirelli tires in WorldSBK makes moving up to MotoGP on Michelin tires more difficult because Michelin offers less confidence, requiring a calmer riding style. Conversely, going from MotoGP to Superbike feels better because the rider can push harder thanks to Pirelli’s characteristics.
He highlighted that braking is the biggest difference, noting that Michelin front tires in MotoGP need a different approach compared to Pirelli tires in WorldSBK. With Pirellis, aggressive braking is possible early on, but with Michelins, braking aggression must come later. Brega mentioned that he has to consciously remind himself not to brake as he would on Pirellis, which makes riding less natural and slows him down.
Despite the challenges, he earned points in both his MotoGP appearances, finishing 15th in the final races at Portimao and Valencia. Brega’s experience with Pirelli tires will be valuable in developing Ducati’s 2027 850cc bike, alongside his WorldSBK campaigns. Notably, from 2027 onwards, Pirelli will be the exclusive tire supplier for MotoGP, while Michelin will take over WorldSBK.
Fan Take: This tire supplier switch and rider movements highlight a fascinating shift in motorcycle racing dynamics, crucial for fans tracking performance changes. The evolving challenges riders face adapting between tire brands could significantly impact race strategies and competition intensity across both championships.
