The move was widely expected, although as recently as the Japanese Grand Prix in late September Honda had revealed that it was still discussing a switch to Bridgestone - as used by Ducati's 2007 world champion
Casey Stoner - 'at the request of its riders',
Dani Pedrosa and
Nicky Hayden.
Bridgestone's refusal to supply Honda and Yamaha next season prompted the shock one-brand proposal for 2008, which was subsequently retracted after Bridgestone agreed to supply Yamaha's
Valentino Rossi and rule amendments were made to allow more tyres at each grand prix and increased tyre testing.
Those amendments, combined with a determination from both Honda and Michelin to win the MotoGP title back means that their longstanding alliance will continue - and Pedrosa, rumoured to have been as keen as Rossi to switch to
Bridgestone, claims to be 'very satisfied' with the decision.
"I'm very satisfied with this deal with Michelin because they have a great deal of experience and technical skill and I'm confident they can supply us with race-winning tyres next year," said the Spanish ac, the only Honda rider to win in 2007. "The situation this year has been complicated for many reasons, and sometimes our performance has not been up to the level we expected. Michelin has a long racing history with Honda and I believe this partnership can once again create the success we all want. I'm happy to show that we have full confidence in Michelin at this important time in
MotoGP.”
"I'm really happy to be joining up with Michelin again next year," stated 2006 world champion Hayden. "They were a key part in achieving my world championship last year so they've got a really special place in my heart. Honda has a long history with Michelin and I think we can work hard this winter during testing and get back to winning ways in 2008. I know they're not going to take the events of this season lightly, they want to come back strong and I'm convinced they can help us take the fight to our rivals. It won't be easy, but Michelin is a great company."
