Misano MotoGP Reaction: Repsol deny damaging MotoGP image with tyre switch

Repsol management has denied tarnishing the image of MotoGP by forcing Honda to push through a shock tyre switch for factory rider Dani Pedrosa.

The Spanish fuel giant claims to have been the prime instigator in securing Pedrosa a move from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for the remainder of the 2008 season, which was confirmed yesterday.

Repsol put pressure on Honda and Bridgestone to secure a tyre deal for the triple world champion before the end of the season, and the Spaniard was due to test the Japanese tyres for the first time in Misano today.

But Repsol’s sponsorship manager Arturo Sus denies the deal harms the image of MotoGP, with the request for Pedrosa to switch effectively breaking Honda’s contract with Michelin.

“Repsol’s view of this issue is we did this very professionally and nobody has broken anything. We have talked with Michelin and HRC and to Bridgestone. Michelin agreed to everything that we are doing and I think we are more professional than some other sports.

“But Repsol does not have any doubt that the move we have made is correct and we have done it in the right way. The mistake would have been to do this without Michelin’s approval, and we had that, so we don’t see any issue. “