Successful Michelin-Honda partnership to be rekindled in 2020

The tyre war in Australian Superbike has a long history where the fortunes of the various rubber manufacturers have ebbed and flowed.

Dunlop reigned supreme for a long time, but in recent years Pirelli has been dominant. Dunlop did manage to upset the Italian domination with Bryan Staring and the BCperformance Kawasaki running away with all three races at The Bend in 2019, but in recent times Pirelli has largely dominated at almost every circuit in the country. That could be set to change in 2020 with Michelin coming back to ASBK in a big way. 

It has been a long time between drinks for Michelin to taste ASBK champagne, 15 years in fact. In both 2004 and 2005 Honda and Michelin did the Superbike and Supersport double championships.

Adam Fergusson the SBK/SS champ in 2004 before Josh Brookes took the double mantle in 2005 on Michelin shod Honda machinery. 

MCNews.com.au can confirm that Michelin will be coming back to the ASBK Superbike paddock in 2020 with Penrite Honda. 

The Elite Roads backed Penrite Honda squad and Troy Herfoss will be on the French rubber this season.

Herfoss tested the tyres for the first time at Phillip Island last September and was happy enough with their performance.  They have also tested at Wakefield Park and Tailem Bend.

Another big part of the tyre story is that Penrite Honda’s tyre technician in season 2020 might be none other than Jeremy Burgess… That part of the deal is yet to be fully confirmed but is on the cards…

We also believe Metzeler will be on the grid in 2020 also which along with Bridgestone will make it five different tyre brands contesting the Australian Superbike Championship. It is believed there is a possibility that we might see a Metzeler shod BMW contesting the Superbike category. 

This diversity could really throw some real surprise results in the mix and adds yet more anticipation to what is looking like an exciting season ahead for ASBK…

Source: MCNews.com.au