 The season also marked the return of Dunlop and the entry of Bridgestone to the premier class.Dunlop supplied the tyres for Suzuki, Aprilia, Yamaha WCM and Pramac Honda, Bridgestone supplied the tyres for Team Roberts and Kanemoto Racing, and Michelin supplied the tyres for the remaining six teams.However, after only two races, Suzuki switched back to Michelin tyres for the remainder of the season.