Ezpeleta defends single tyre move

The Grand Prix Commission confirmed last weekend that MotoGP will follow Formula One's example and have just one tyre supplier from 2009.

The move has received mixed reactions, but Ezpeleta claims it was needed.

"We need to curb cornering speeds, because with the 800cc bikes we've already reached worrying levels," Ezpeleta told Motosprint magazine. "We can't change the tracks nor increase run-off areas. Therefore we must reduce the bikes' cornering speed.

"Without the competition among tyre manufacturers, development will be slowed down, and this is a way to reduce the bikes' performance. For the same reason, development costs will be reduced too."

Currently, Michelin and Bridgestone are the only tyre suppliers in MotoGP, but the tender for next year will be open to any manufacturer interested.

Ezpeleta made it clear, however, that the winner is very likely to be a company with experience in the category.

"I don't know who it will be, so I can't say," he added. "I can however say that it should be a manufacturer with many years of experience in this class.

"The tender is public, so it's open to everyone. The proposal will not specify money, because the supply must be free of charge. Instead it must specify how many tyres you are willing to supply, what kind, and stuff like that."