It has been officially confirmed that Dani Pedrosa will make a shock switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres with immediate effect - splitting the Repsol Honda Team in two for the five remaining rounds of the 2008 season.Whilst there had been growing expectation of a tyre switch for 2009, particularly following Pedrosa's brutal criticism of Michelin after its Czech Republic Grand Prix disaster, few believed such a seismic change would be implemented during the racing season.
However, rumours of a split began circulating on Sunday morning at Misano and a statement confirming an instant 'divorce' was released shortly after the San Marino Grand Prix - a race Pedrosa finished in fourth position and which saw an equal Bridgestone/Michelin split of the top ten places.
'For 24 years Michelin and Honda have worked together at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Together the two companies have won 14 premier-class World Championships,' the statement began.
'The two companies fully understand the importance of the “feeling” between the rider and the equipment he has at his disposal, especially tyres.
'Despite making an excellent start to the season and leading the World Championship going into the German GP, during the last few races Dani Pedrosa has made it know to both Michelin and Honda that he doesn't feel at ease with the tyres that Michelin have offered him.
'Honda and Michelin believe that rider confidence needs to be at its maximum if the rider is to fully exploit the tactical potential of the tyres.
'In these circumstances Michelin and Honda have therefore decided not to equip Pedrosa with Michelin tyres for the remainder of the 2008 season."
"I thank Michelin and Honda for their mutual understanding and for agreeing to my personal demands," commented Pedrosa. "I am very conscious of the fact that I have made some excessively negative comments about Michelin tyres, even though Michelin helped me make an exceptional start to the season."
'Both Honda and Michelin hope that MotoGP World Championship will continue with a multi-tyre brand regulation in 2009, Michelin will equip one of the Repsol Honda's two riders for the remainder of the 2008 season,' concluded the statement.
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