Racing and Sport Tyres 2026 at a Glance

The Battlax S23 is Bridgestone's latest hypersport tyre and the successor to the S22. Compared to its predecessor, it offers increased performance at lean and in the wet: according to Bridgestone, the S23 achieves 4% faster lap times on a wet track and a 3% shorter braking distance in the wet, plus 8% more mileage. This is made possible by a revised rubber compound and tread design based on Bridgestone's MotoGP experience. The S23 is therefore considered the new benchmark in the hypersport segment, combining high grip with mileage fit for everyday use. Click here for the tyre test carried out by our experts.

Until 2023, the Battlax S22 was Bridgestone's top sport tyre for the road. It stands out with excellent dry grip and high agility, without compromising on mileage. Thanks to 3LC/5LC multi-compound technology (three rubber zones at the front, five at the rear), the S22 combines stability on the straights with soft compounds on the tyre shoulders for maximum cornering grip. Independent tests credited the S22 with improved handling over its predecessor, the S21, without any weaknesses in its wet grip and stability. The S22 therefore offers a successful compromise between everyday usability and trackday performance. Our crew has also carried out a detailed test of this tyre.

Its predecessor, the S21, remains in the range as a more affordable alternative. The S21 still delivers solid grip in all conditions and scores with high mileage. Here, too, Bridgestone relied on dual-compound technologies (3LC/5LC) and silica content for good wet grip. For sporty road riders, the S21 still offers balanced handling and high stability, even though its successor, the S22, brought improvements particularly in handling and cornering speed. More on this in the ride report under real-world conditions.

The BT-016 Pro is a somewhat older supersport tyre from Bridgestone that is still available as a budget hypersport tyre. It was developed for sportbikes of the 2000s and offers solid all-round performance. Modern Bridgestone technologies such as the Mono-Spiral Belt (MSB) ensure stable handling at high speeds. For sporty riders on a limited budget, the BT-016 Pro is a reliable option, although it can't match the newer S2x models in grip and agility. If you want to get an idea of how it rides, you'll find a hands-on report here.

The Battlax RS12 is Bridgestone's newest road-legal track tyre (launched in early 2026). Under the motto "From Circuit to Street", it adopts cutting-edge technology from the Endurance World Championship and achieves the highest dry grip of all Battlax road tyres. Improvements to the tread pattern and a new rubber compound increase grip significantly, resulting in faster lap times than its predecessor, the RS11. For the first time, the front tyre features a special HE-MS belt (High Elastic Mono-Spiral belt), which evens out ground contact pressure and thus increases grip even further. Despite its track focus, the RS12 is designed to deliver consistent performance over several hard sessions and to give the rider confidence and riding pleasure on country roads too. We've already tested this racing tyre extensively for you.

Until now, the RS11 was Bridgestone's "Racing Street" tyre and is likewise designed for both the road and trackdays. It offers significantly more grip and track-oriented performance, practically "from the race track to the road - without compromise". The RS11 uses materials and constructions from the premier racing class, including - as Bridgestone's first road tyre - a V-MS belt for an optimised contact patch and grip. This enables better lap times on track than conventional road tyres. In the Bridgestone line-up, the RS11 sits between the more everyday-friendly S22 and genuine racing tyres such as the R11 - ideal for ambitious trackday riders who still need road approval.

The Battlax R11 is a treaded radial track tyre for supersport and superstock racing. It is one of the road-legal racing tyres (DOT) and was developed to deliver maximum grip and consistency on track. Bridgestone highlights the outstanding contact feel on corner entry as well as high grip both under braking and when accelerating out of corners. At the same time, the R11 offers astonishing durability and consistency over race distances. This tyre suits experienced trackday riders and racers who ride at the highest level and are looking for fine feedback and confidence in the front end. The model has also been tested on road and track - click here for the report.

The Battlax Racing V03 is Bridgestone's newest racing slick (no tread grooves) and was developed for professional race series (successor to the V02). It features Bridgestone's "proven, championship-winning DNA" and offers top grip as well as high consistency over race distance. The V03 works across a wide operating range and is offered in various compound options (including a new Sprint version for shorter races). Without road approval (NHS), this tyre is intended exclusively for the race track, where the latest rubber compounds and constructions enable the fastest possible lap times. You can read our detailed test report here.

The predecessor V02 remains available and is a proven trackday and racing slick. It stands out with lighter handling and improved warm-up behaviour. With special racing rubber compounds, the V02 offers first-class grip in corners and high stability at speed. For hobby racers and pro newcomers, the V02 is still an attractive (often somewhat cheaper) option to enjoy slick performance. However, it has now been surpassed by the V03 in terms of grip and lap time. Click here for the video.

The Battlax W01 is Bridgestone's racing tyre for wet conditions. With a pronounced tread pattern for maximum water displacement, it offers race-proven wet grip and first-class stability on a wet track. The W01 reaches operating temperature quickly and gives the rider plenty of confidence in the rain. This dedicated rain tyre (NHS) is used in racing (e.g. endurance, national series), but is also interesting for trackday riders who don't want to sit it out on slicks when it rains. However, it is not approved for use on public roads.

The CR11 was developed specifically for classic racing bikes and classic endurance racers. Even during development, this tyre won a FIM Europe Classic Endurance race - a testament to its capability. The "proven race winner" CR11 impresses with consistently good performance over its entire service life, quick warm-up and precise feedback. Classic racers appreciate the CR11 because it offers modern rubber compounds in historic tyre sizes. For owners of vintage sportbikes taking part in classic racing events, this is the tyre of choice.

The SportSmart Mk4 is Dunlop's brand-new hypersport road tyre (model year 2025) and replaces the popular SportSmart Mk3. It was developed primarily for road use and offers a noticeable gain in precision, feedback and wet grip. A newly developed MultiTread rubber compound improves wet grip by 20% on slippery surfaces and 18% on medium-grip asphalt compared to its predecessor. Technologies such as Dynamic Front Formula and Carcass Tension Control System, derived from Dunlop's racing experience, ensure easy turn-in, stable cornering and high comfort on the road. The SportSmart Mk4 thus gives sporty country-road riders even more confidence - even in cooler or wet conditions - and closes the gap to the track-oriented SportSmart TT. The ride report from our experts provides practical assessments of its performance.

The SportSmart TT (Track Technology) is a hypersport tyre with a 50/50 focus on road and track. It was developed to cut a fine figure both on twisty roads and at trackdays. Race-proven technologies give the TT extremely high grip and stability, so you can push to the limit and still enjoy the ride home. According to Dunlop, the SportSmart TT delivers a controllable and safe riding feel even at very sporty paces. It suits riders who regularly ride briskly on the road and occasionally want to give it the beans on the race track - without having to change tyres. With quick warm-up and precise handling, the SportSmart TT is at home both on track and on the road. A detailed test report provides further real-world impressions.

The SportSmart Mk3 (introduced in 2019) was Dunlop's previous road hypersport tyre and remains in the range in some sizes. It is known for its successful compromise of plenty of grip and good handling combined with considerable mileage. Even in the wet, the Mk3 performs well thanks to modern silica technology, so ambitious riders can use it in less than ideal conditions too. Compared to the SportSmart TT, the Mk3 offers somewhat more everyday comfort and higher mileage, with still impressive sport performance. For sporty high-mileage riders who want fun every day, the Mk3 remains interesting - although it will eventually be replaced by the new Mk4. You'll find more impressions here.

The Qualifier Core is Dunlop's affordable hypersport tyre, aimed at budget-conscious sport riders. It offers solid all-round performance for sporty country-road rides without doing without modern technologies. As a further development of the earlier Qualifier II, the Core delivers decent grip and stable handling, though with a somewhat simpler rubber compound than the top models. For newcomers to sport tyres or occasional trackday riders, the Qualifier Core is an attractive option to get a hypersport feel at a lower price.

The Qualifier II is an older model in Dunlop's sport tyre portfolio that is still available. For years, this tyre was a proven sport tyre for a wide variety of bikes and stands for balanced performance on dry and wet roads. Compared to the Qualifier Core, the Qualifier II has a somewhat less modern setup, but still meets the demands of many sporty road riders. It suits a wide range of sportbikes as an affordable option when ultimate track performance is not the top priority. Overall, the Qualifier II offers neutral handling and decent grip for dynamic country-road rides.

The Roadsport 2 is another sport tyre in Dunlop's entry-level segment. It was conceived as a versatile all-round sport tyre with a focus on road use. According to Dunlop, the Roadsport 2 offers a great overall package with sporty handling at a very good price-performance ratio. It is aimed at riders of sporty naked bikes or older sportbikes who want grip and agility in everyday riding and on occasional sporty outings without needing a thoroughbred hypersport tyre. In handling and grip it sits above touring tyres, but wears more moderately than track-oriented models.

The D213 GP Pro is Dunlop's top road-legal racing tyre and comes straight from supersport and superstock racing. It was developed for serious "pro" racers and is the successor to the legendary D212 GP Pro (race-winning tyre at the Isle of Man TT). The D213 GP Pro offers outstanding grip and stability at high speed and under hard braking. Its construction with aramid JLB and a special carcass minimises deformation under high centrifugal forces, enabling precise handling and confidence at extreme lean angles. In Dunlop's hypersport range, the D213 GP Pro sits at the top - it is the choice of racing champions and was developed after extensive testing by top riders. Hobby racers should note: this tyre only unleashes its full potential with tyre warmers and a race setup, but then rewards you with fabulous lap times.

The GP Racer D212 is a DOT-homologated track tyre for trackdays and club racing. It combines Dunlop's motorsport technology with a bit more versatility for semi-professional riders. The D212 stands out with easy turn-in and simple handling, thanks in part to a race-derived profile contour. NTEC technology allows tyre pressure to be lowered for track use to maximise the contact patch. With special shoulder and centre rubber compounds, it offers excellent dry grip and enough durability for longer sessions. Overall, the GP Racer D212 is considered a game changer for ambitious trackday riders: it delivers almost race-tyre level performance but is easier to handle and lasts longer. For regulated race series or fast hobby riders, this tyre is one of the best options. We've put this tyre through its paces too - see the test.

Alongside the treaded version, Dunlop offers the GP Racer D212 Slick. This tyre has no tread (slick) and aims for maximum grip in the dry, but - unlike the KR slicks - is somewhat more forgiving and made for trackday riders. It largely shares its construction and compounds with the treaded D212, but thanks to the slick surface offers a little more contact patch and therefore grip. According to Dunlop, the GP Racer Slick D212 delivers the same performance characteristics as the treaded version, just with a "slicker" look. There is no road approval here. For track enthusiasts who want maximum performance with minimal effort, this slick is an exciting choice - you can ride to the circuit on your own wheels (in the dry) and enjoy the extra grip straight away on track.

The KR106 (front) and KR108 (rear) are Dunlop's professional racing slicks, as used in the top race series. In the EWC Endurance World Championship or at the Isle of Man TT, winners rely on these slicks, which regularly prove their performance in the toughest racing conditions. The KR series offers outstanding grip, high precision and, thanks to a variety of compounds (e.g. Soft, Medium), adaptation to temperature and track conditions. In 2023, Dunlop expanded the range with the KR109, a new big-size front slick in 125/80 R17 for even more stability at the front wheel. Note: these slicks are NHS (Not for Highway Service) and intended exclusively for racing use. For experienced racers and very fast trackday riders, the KR106/108 are the first choice, but they require meticulous temperature management and riding skill to exploit their potential.

The ContiSportAttack 5 is Continental's newest supersport tyre (unveiled in late 2025) and was developed on the race track but perfected for the road. It is aimed at riders looking for maximum dynamics without compromise. Thanks to a further developed BlackChili rubber compound, the SportAttack 5 offers outstanding grip - the compound has been optimised for better interlocking with the asphalt and ensures even wear even with occasional track use. Pirelli's tests (see press release) show that the tyre is among the best in its class in dry and wet grip. The SportAttack 5 will hit the market from the first quarter of 2026 in the most important 17-inch sizes and targets modern superbikes and performance nakeds. It is an 80% road tyre, but brings enough reserves for fast sessions on the race track.

Until now, the ContiSportAttack 4 was Conti's high-performance road tyre. Compared to its predecessor, it offers significantly more grip and improved traction thanks to the latest rubber compound technology. A revised tread design creates a larger contact patch at deep lean angles, giving more stability and confidence at the limit. The tyre has been extensively tested by our experts. The SportAttack 4 is an extremely nimble tyre with a high level of grip and is ideal for sporty road use and trackday newcomers.

The RaceAttack 2 Street is Continental's fastest road-legal track tyre. It is essentially a hypersport tyre with racing DNA, developed for brisk road riding and trackdays. The special BlackChili hypersport rubber compound gives this tyre maximum grip on road and track. The RaceAttack 2 Street has a very low void ratio (proportion of tread grooves), bringing it visually and functionally close to slicks. As a result, it generates high dry grip while remaining legal for road use. Continental promotes technologies such as a 0° steel belt, MultiGrip and GripLimitFeedback, which enable predictable behaviour at the limit. The tyre is especially recommended for trackdays where you ride to the circuit on your own wheels, even in cooler conditions. Overall, the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street is a top choice for demanding sport riders looking for one tyre for both twisty roads and track sessions.

Behind the ContiRaceAttack 2 soft/medium is Conti's current semi-slick for trackdays, which is also road-legal. It is offered in two compounds (Soft and Medium) to cope with different temperature and track conditions. The RaceAttack 2 soft/medium has a minimal tread and is primarily designed for fast laps, but according to Continental it is also suitable for riding to the race track on your own wheels. The BlackChili Race compound ensures quick warm-up and consistently high grip - ideal for hobby racers. Thanks to the 0° steel belt construction, stability is maintained even at high speeds. This tyre is perfect for trackday riders who want to ride at the limit without switching straight to pure slicks. In the rain, however, caution is advised, as the minimal tread reaches its limits here (for such cases, Conti offers the RainAttack).

The ContiTrack is Continental's only motorcycle racing slick in the range and is aimed primarily at hobby racers and advanced trackday riders. It is available in Soft and Medium compounds and offers solid performance at comparatively low cost. With its forgiving setup and easy handling, the ContiTrack forgives the odd mistake and comes up to temperature quickly - important for trackday users without tyre warmers. Naturally, its absolute grip is slightly below that of high-end slicks from other manufacturers; but for the budget-conscious track rider, the ContiTrack is an attractive option to enter the world of slicks. It has no road approval. All in all, the ContiTrack is a reliable slick that impresses with predictable behaviour and good feedback. Find out whether the tyre convinced our crew here.

For wet track conditions, Continental offers the ContiRaceAttack Rain. This special rain tyre (NHS) features a tread optimised for maximum water dispersal and a soft rubber compound. This way, it delivers grip and stability even on a wet track. In the 2026 overview, the RaceAttack Rain is listed as part of the Continental portfolio. It is recommended for racing and trackday use in the rain - but due to the lack of road approval, only on closed circuits. Combined with Conti's dry tyres, ambitious riders can roll into the paddock equipped for any weather.

The Diablo Rosso IV is Pirelli's current supersport road tyre for sporty riders. As the "ultimate sport tyre for road use", it offers excellent grip under braking and acceleration as well as high traction at deep lean angles. A tread design called Lightning™ with lightning-shaped grooves ensures even pressure distribution and confidence at every lean angle. Thanks to multi-ply carcasses with tuned stiffness, the Rosso IV achieves agile handling and excellent feedback. Overall, the Rosso IV is a very well-balanced hypersport tyre: enough wet grip and mileage for the road, but also dynamic performance for fast cornering. It suits riders of current naked bikes and superbikes who ride both day-to-day and with sporting ambition.

The Diablo Rosso IV Corsa is the sharpened version of the Rosso IV - Pirelli calls it "the fiercer version" of the already sporty tyre. It is aimed at very demanding sport riders who want even more dry grip. Through adjustments to the rubber compound (higher carbon black content) and a lower void ratio, the Rosso IV Corsa offers more grip in the dry and even tighter handling. At the same time, performance remains consistent over several hard sessions - an indication of its track capability. This tyre is ideal for those who frequently take their sporty road bike to the track: it copes better with high temperatures and loads than the standard Rosso IV, yet remains manageable on the road. Overall, the Rosso IV Corsa raises the sporting bar within the Rosso family once again. Click here for the test.

The fourth-generation Diablo Supercorsa SP (V4) is Pirelli's road-legal racing tyre, derived directly from the Superbike competition tyres. SP stands for Sport Production, meaning this tyre is homologated for the road but offers near race-tyre performance. The V4 version features a new tread pattern: a central slick zone and the typical "Flash" grooves on the sides for sufficient drainage. As a result, the SP V4 achieves high stability at top speed and precise cornering behaviour. The rubber compound on the shoulders matches that of the racing SC version, combined with a somewhat more durable centre for road use. The Supercorsa SP V4 makes trackday-level lap times effortless and was developed to exploit the full potential of modern superbikes. Perfect for riders of a Panigale, Yamaha R1M or BMW S1000RR who want to use one tyre on both road and track.

The Diablo Supercorsa SC V4 variant is the pure racing compound version of the Supercorsa. SC stands for Special Compound and denotes compounds (SC1, SC2, etc.) for competition purposes. This tyre is not approved for road use and is used in superstock and supersport championships. It offers even greater grip thanks to full racing compounds and requires tyre warmers as well as riding skill to work optimally. In principle, the construction corresponds to the Supercorsa SP V4, but without compromises for everyday use. Anyone racing at the highest level (or as a very experienced trackday rider) can achieve the absolute shortest lap times on the SC V4 rubber, while also benefiting from Pirelli's experience as the long-standing WSBK single tyre supplier. This tyre is not permitted on public roads.

Under the name Diablo Superbike, Pirelli offers its treadless racing slicks, as used in the Superbike World Championship among others. These slicks come in various compounds (SC0, SC1, SC2, SCX) for different temperature and race conditions. A Diablo Superbike slick stands out with outstanding grip and high consistency - indispensable for professional races and fast sprint races. Pirelli's slicks offer very direct feedback and are known for their "linear" performance: they work optimally within a narrow temperature window and build up grip at the highest level. NHS (Not for Highway Service) goes without saying. For national race series and pro trackdays, the Diablo Superbike slicks are one of the first ports of call.

As an addition to its track portfolio, Pirelli offers the Diablo Rain - a fully fledged rain tyre for competition. It features a deeply grooved "wave" tread pattern that disperses water extremely effectively. The rubber compound is very soft and generates grip even on wet, cold asphalt. Of course, the Rain is also a thoroughbred racing product (NHS). In Superbike and Supersport races, teams turn to the Diablo Rain as soon as the track is too wet for slicks. For hobby racers, it's worthwhile when rain races are genuinely on the cards or for intensive training sessions in the rain. This tyre must not be used on the road - there, Pirelli's road tyres (such as the Rosso IV) take over rain duties, albeit with lower reserves.

The Michelin Power 6 is the newest addition to the Power series (available since 2024) and is aimed at sporty road riders who want to combine riding pleasure with everyday usability. As the successor to the Power 5, it combines dynamic handling with improved mileage. Michelin emphasises maximised grip on dry and wet roads, agile turn-in and overall performance inspired by the race track. In fact, the Power 6 was designed both to last a long time in daily use and to offer plenty of confidence on twisty local roads. This tyre is suitable for bikes from 300 cc (already original equipment e.g. on the 2024 KTM 390 Duke). All in all, the Power 6 is Michelin's new benchmark for sporty road use and is likely to gradually replace the Power 5. We've gathered first impressions for you and put together a comprehensive test report.

The Power 5 (introduced in 2020) was Michelin's sport tyre for the road and replaced the Power RS models at the time. It was developed with a focus on maximum riding pleasure on public roads, reflected in a high silica content for wet grip and a redesigned tread pattern with an 11% void ratio. In a comparison test, 1000PS editors praised the Power 5 as a "big positive surprise, because it's so sporty": despite its everyday usability, it offers astonishingly high grip for country roads and very neutral, forgiving handling. It signals clearly when you're approaching the limit and inspires plenty of confidence, even in the wet. Overall, the Power 5 is much more than just a "sport touring" tyre - it can certainly appeal to ambitious riders too. With the arrival of the Power 6, the Power 5 is being superseded, but it remains an excellent option, especially for all-weather sport riders.

The Power GP2 is the evolution of the Power GP unveiled in 2024. Michelin developed it specifically to raise the grip level on dry and wet asphalt even further. Thanks to MotoGP-inspired technologies, the Power GP2 offers even more precise handling and allows experienced riders to push their limits on the race track. According to Michelin, it outperforms its already strong predecessor in all areas and significantly enhances the track experience. At the same time, it remains road-legal and can therefore be used for sporty road riding. The Power GP2 was developed by the same engineers who build Michelin's MotoGP tyres - backed by the know-how from more than 500 Grand Prix wins. All in all, this tyre targets owners of supersports and superbikes who ride on track frequently but need a legal tyre. More on this in the ride report.

The Power Cup 2 is Michelin's track-oriented hypersport tyre with road approval. It has only a 4% (front) and 5% (rear) void ratio - just enough to be legal. Its character, however, is clearly geared towards the race track: the rubber compound contains a lot of carbon black for maximum dry grip and consistent grip when hot over many laps. After just a short warm-up, the Cup 2 delivers excellent grip; on track it can also be preheated with tyre warmers. Our experts found that the Power Cup 2 offers significantly less grip in the rain than the Power 5 or GP - due to the almost complete absence of silica and the sparse tread. So caution is advised in the wet. But in dry weather and on hot asphalt, the Cup 2 plays to its strengths fully: none of the other Michelin Power tyres comes close to its grip level. For passionate trackday riders in warm, low-rainfall regions, the Power Cup 2 is an absolute recommendation. If you want to get an idea of how it rides, you'll find a hands-on report here.

The Power Slick 2 is Michelin's trackday slick for ambitious hobby racers. It was introduced alongside the Cup 2 and targets riders who want to go one step further and run a fully treadless tyre. The Slick 2 is not approved for road use and offers even greater grip on track thanks to the enlarged contact area (no tread) and a very grippy racing compound. Michelin designed it so that it can be used without homologation specifically for trackdays and club racing. According to the manufacturer, the Slick 2 is intended for riders whose main priority is lap times. It comes up to temperature relatively quickly without tyre warmers and shows predictable behaviour at the limit (for a slick). Nevertheless, you should bring some experience to exploit this tyre fully. For hobby racers who want maximum dry performance, the Power Slick 2 is a logical choice - the intermediate step between the Cup 2 and Michelin's full competition slicks.

With the Power Performance Slick, Michelin offers a competitive racing slick with various rubber compounds for front and rear. It is aimed at ambitious racers at both hobby and professional level and is designed to impress with a high grip level and stable performance at lean.

The Power Performance 24 is designed specifically for endurance racing. This slick was developed for extreme endurance conditions such as 24-hour races and focuses on consistent performance over many sessions. It is particularly suited to riders who rely on maximum consistency over long stints – both in private endurance teams and in a semi-professional environment.

The Michelin Power Cup Evo is a sport-oriented semi-slick designed specifically for mixed use on road and track. It is road-legal and, thanks to its minimal tread design, offers particularly direct feedback, especially at high lean angles. The tyre is particularly suitable for sporty riders who occasionally take part in trackdays and value stable handling at a sporty pace. It is also suitable for anyone with a "smaller" bike, as rear tyre sizes start as low as 160.