MotoGP's controversial minimum tyre pressure rule will continue under Pirelli from the 2027 season, despite years of criticism from riders and teams.
The Italian manufacturer, which will replace Michelin as MotoGP's exclusive tyre supplier when the new technical regulations come into force in 2027, believes the rule remains necessary to ensure both safety and consistent tyre performance.
The tyre pressure rule has divided opinion since its introduction, with riders often forced to manage races carefully to avoid dropping below the minimum permitted pressure. Teams have also adopted tactical strategies, including asking riders to stay close behind rivals early in races to build enough heat and pressure in the front tyre.
Although many hoped the switch from Michelin to Pirelli would lead to a review of the regulation, Pirelli has confirmed that will not be the case.
According to Pirelli's Motorsport Director Giorgio Barbier, maintaining a minimum pressure is vital because running below the specified limit places excessive stress on the tyre's structure, increasing the risk of damage or failure.
Barbier also explained that every tyre manufacturer operates within an approved pressure window and that the requirement is not unique to Michelin. As a result, Pirelli sees no reason to remove the rule when it takes over MotoGP's tyre supply in 2027.
MotoGP will undergo its biggest technical overhaul in years from 2027, introducing smaller 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics and a switch to Pirelli tyres across all Grand Prix classes.
Pirelli believes keeping the tyre pressure regulation unchanged will help ensure a smoother transition into the new era, allowing manufacturers and teams to focus on adapting to the wide-ranging technical changes rather than learning a completely different tyre management philosophy at the same time.
