Pirelli has been named as the single tyre supplier for the British Superbike and Supersport Championships from 2008-2010.

Pirelli has been the exclusive tyre supplier for the World Superbike and Supersport Championships since 2004, but faced stiff opposition for the new BSB control-tyre contract from Dunlop.

BSB has previously been a 'free tyre' formula, with the majority of the field supplied by Dunlop. Michelin, which has won the BSB title for the past two seasons with Honda, did not tender for the one-tyre deal, while Pirelli also had only a limited presence in 2007.

"This is a landmark moment for the British Championships," declared BSB series director Stuart Higgs. "For the selected bidder it represents a great opportunity and responsibility, which I am confident that Pirelli can fulfil. This will be a great leveller for the championships and I relish the start of the on-track competition.

"In making the announcement of the selected bidder, I also acknowledge the obvious disappointment, the long standing contribution and the professionalism during this process of Dunlop, however the decision was confined strictly to determining the fulfilment of the requirements of the tender and the MCRCB's sporting objectives," he added.

Pirelli's successful bid thus opens up the prospect of high-profile BSB stars once again riding as wild-cards in their home WSBK rounds from next season