The brand METZELER has been selected by Honda Racing UK as Official Tyre Supplier for its 2022 Road Racing campaign, which includes the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200 as both events return following a two-year hiatus. The team will run the latest generation METZELER RACETEC RR Slick tyres on the 30th anniversary Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike and RACETEC™ RR road legal tyres on Superstock machinery.
The partnership heralds a new era for the iconic race team and the renowned tyre brand, both of whom have logged multiple victories at these legendary road racing events over the years. Honda is the most successful manufacturer of all time at the Isle of Man TT, with 189 wins under its belt.
METZELER is also a successful brand on the island: at the last event in 2019, its tyres equipped the machines of Senior and Lightweight TT winning machines, with ‘blue caps’ appearing on the podium eight times in total.
Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin shares a history with METZELER, having previously won at both the North West 200 and the Macau Grand Prix using its slick and treaded tyres. The METZELER RACETEC™ RR Slick tyres have been specifically developed and tested for professional road racing, providing unrivalled durability and versatility. The compound is engineered to adapt across different asphalts, temperatures and motorcycle set-ups to ensure consistency in performance over the course of a lengthy road race.
TT newcomer, Irwin, and his team-mate, 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, who will be making his 100th TT start in the opening Superbike race on Saturday 4th June, will both have the opportunity to test the various tyre options available prior to rolling out for the North West 200 from 10-14 May before moving to the biggest event of the season, the Isle of Man TT, which will take place from 28 May-11 June.
METZELER UK Racing Manager Jason Griffiths commented “To partner Honda Racing UK in what is also the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade certainly adds to the sense of anticipation. Glenn has taken victories at the North West 200 and Macau GP with Metzeler, and we look forward to continuing the relationship this season. John is synonymous with the TT and Metzeler is proud to play a role in his 100th TT start. For 2022 we’ve introduced new sizes of the Racetec RR slicks which, together with our Racetec RR range, will be ready to meet the challenges presented by the unique North West 200 ‘Triangle’ and TT Mountain courses.”
Honda Racing UK Team Manager Havier Beltran added: “2022 is an important year for Honda Racing as we showcase the 30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade; which has had such a fantastic start to the BSB season with Glenn Irwin. Glenn has already had experience and success on Metzeler tyres which is crucial as he goes into his first TT whilst John obviously has massive experience to draw from in all conditions. We’re really excited to be working with Metzeler to help develop their tyres still further on the Roads this season.”
