Dunlop riders claim five championship titles in 2026 ESBK season finale

(Photos: Dunlop Motorcycle Europe)

Dunlop-equipped riders dominated the 2026 Campeonato de España de Superbike (ESBK) season finale at the Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto on Sunday, securing championship titles in five of the eight classes. This performance across Spain and Portugal highlighted Dunlop’s technical edge in open-tyre competition, the tyre supplier said, while reinforcing its role as a key player in developing future motorcycling talent.

In the open-tyre categories, where tyre manufacturers compete directly against one another, Dunlop secured top honours across multiple disciplines. Mauro González claimed the Superstock 1000 championship title for the BMW Easyrace Team. In the premier Superbike class, Honda Laglisse’s Javier Palomera ultimately took the crown, while Dunlop rider Ivo Lopes (BMW Easyrace Team) secured second place in the open-tyre standings.

The competitive action extended into the middleweight classes, where José Luis Armario rounded off the season with a dramatic final-race victory in Superstock 600. Meanwhile, Dunlop riders took two of the overall podium spots in the open-tyre Supersport category, with Marcos Ludeña (Team Speed Racing) claiming second place and Yeray Ruiz (Team Honda Laglisse) taking third.

(Photos: Dunlop Motorcycle Europe)

Dunlop also continues to serve as the exclusive tyre supplier to key feeder series within the ESBK paddock. Marc Vich clinched the Supersport 300 title alongside the Kawasaki Ninja Spirit Trophy, while Marcos Vinagre was crowned Pre-Talent champion at Jerez, leading an all-Dunlop top-three lock-out with Javier Vigueras and Jose Luis Cagigas.

Beyond the trophies, Dunlop uses the demanding environments of championships like ESBK to test and validate its product lineup. Riders compete on a mix of development rubber and off-the-shelf specifications from the KR racing slick range, with dedicated wet-weather options available for changing track conditions. Data gathered on track directly informs the development of commercial tyres for track-day riders and international racing series.

This commitment to motorsport extends across Europe. In the Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV), six champions were crowned on Dunlop tyres in 2026. Dunlop has also recently secured a new multi-year agreement as the exclusive supplier to the Supersport and Production Trophy classes in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), further cementing its presence at all levels of competitive racing.

Roberto Finetti, marketing manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said: “It’s great to see Dunlop-equipped riders achieve such strong results in the 2026 ESBK season, with championship titles secured across multiple categories and two all-Dunlop podiums in Supersport 300 and Pre-Talent. We’re incredibly proud of what our riders and teams have achieved this season and of the role Dunlop has played in their success. These results are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Congratulations to all the newly crowned champions.”