Pirelli has secured a contract extension to remain as sole tyre supplier to the World Superbike championship until the end of 2020 after signing a new two-year deal.

The Italian tyre manufacturer’s existing deal had been set to expire at the end of the 2018 season but a new two-year contract has been agreed to see Pirelli remain as the sole supplier for 2019 and 2020.

Pirelli became sole tyre supplier to the championship in 2004 in order to restrain costs to teams while increase competition using production-based tyres rather than prototypes in World Superbikes.

Giorgio Barbier, racing activities director at Pirelli, is delighted to secure a renewed deal with commercial rights holders Dorna and maintain the manufacturer’s presence in the series.

"We are historically a strong sporty DNA brand, this year we celebrated 110 years of Motorsports activity, and this renewal is a strong sign of our continued business strategy that has enabled our company to establish itself as a benchmark in racing,” Barbier said. “First of all in the segment of racing and supersport tyres, with great success in both development and sales across the range.

“The bond between Pirelli and the FIM Superbike World Championship has always been solid, over the years we have strongly contributed to the growth of this Championship and, at the same time, thanks to our participation we have succeeded in developing successful products which we have made available to all motorcyclists.

“Now we are thinking about the future, we will work together with Dorna on the growth of the Championship and especially with the new Supersport 300 class, because today's young riders will be the future protagonists of tomorrow's Superbike World Championship."

Marc Saurina, World Superbike commercial and marketing director, has echoed Barbier’s comments and is pleased to see the claimed longest running sole tyre supplier deal continue.

“To have Pirelli on board for another two seasons is fantastic news for the Championship, and to reach the milestone of the longest running sole tyre supplier really shows the strong relationship the two companies have,” Saurina said. “Providing all classes with such an important asset as tyres is something we take seriously, and we believe Pirelli are the perfect company to continue with.”