Source: MotoGP.

Current MotoGP control tyre supplier Bridgestone has made the shock announcement that it will withdraw from the world championship following one more season in 2015.

The Japanese brand has extended its contract for one more season before exiting the sport, which it has been the single tyre supplier of since 2009.

“It is with some sadness that we will make our exit from MotoGP after such a prosperous participation in the sport,” said Kyota Futami, general manager of Bridgestone’s global motorsport department.

“Yet Bridgestone Corporation having achieved everything we set out to do when we entered the championship over 10 years ago, including sharing in many MotoGP World Championships, our company believes it is the right time to implement an exit strategy from the series.

“Over the next two seasons we will continue our world-class level of support to all the teams and riders, and will keep investing heavily in our MotoGP tyre development program.

“We will continue to push the boundaries of motorcycle tyre development over the next two years to ensure that we leave the championship at the end of 2015 in the best way possible.”

Bridgestone entered the MotoGP World Championship at the dawn of the modern four-stroke era in 2002, with the objective of establishing itself as the world leader in tyre development.

The Japanese company’s rise to glory was characterised with quick-found success in the championship with a first pole position in its maiden year, a first podium in 2003 and a first race victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2004.

From this point onward, Bridgestone’s success rapidly gained momentum with multiple victories in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, culminating in a first MotoGP championship title with Ducati’s Casey Stoner in 2007.

A second MotoGP championship followed in 2008 with Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi, resulting in Bridgestone receiving the honour of being named the first ever official tyre supplier to the series.

Dorna, in agreement with the FIM, has decided to call a tender for tyre manufacturers interested in becoming Official Tyre Supplier to MotoGP from the 2016 season. The tender application starts today, 1 May, and will conclude on 22 May 2014.