Metzeler Takes Over as Official Tyre Supplier for Isle of Man TT
In a significant shift, Metzeler, a subsidiary of Pirelli, will become the official tyre supplier for the Isle of Man TT from 2023 through to the end of 2027, replacing long-time supplier Dunlop.
The change in tyre supplier status comes after a troubled 2022 season for Dunlop. The company was forced to withdraw its slick rear tyre options from the event due to a number of high-profile failures at the North West 200. Further issues followed at the Isle of Man TT, with Padgetts Honda rider Davey Todd experiencing a failure on the alternate Dunlop rear option during the opening Superbike race on the Sulby Straight.
“I wanted to go home” – Dean Harrison, a prominent Dunlop runner racing for the DAO Racing team, opted to secretly switch to Metzeler rubber for the remainder of the TT from the first Supersport race onwards, after an issue in the Superbike race.
Despite these challenges, Dunlop tyres still managed to secure victory in all solo classes at the 2022 Isle of Man TT, with Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop sharing the honours. However, the latter briefly switched to Metzelers on the opening night of practice before returning to Dunlops.
As the 2023 TT approaches, it remains unclear what presence Dunlop will have at the event, though it is likely that the company will continue to support a number of riders. Meanwhile, Metzeler’s arrival as the official tyre supplier has been welcomed by the Isle of Man’s head of sport at the Department for Enterprise, Paul Phillips, who expressed confidence in the new partnership and its potential for growth in the years to come.
🔗 Source
