Pedrosa no longer had confidence in Michelin's tyres

Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa will switch from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for the rest of the MotoGP season.

A mid-season change is virtually unheard of, but Pedrosa has long made it clear he is unhappy with the performance of his Michelin tyres.

The Spaniard, who lies third in the championship, said: "I thank Michelin and Honda for their understanding and for agreeing to my personal demands."

Pedrosa made an excellent start to the season but has struggled recently.

And the 22-year-old added: "I am very conscious of the fact that I have made some excessively negative comments about Michelin tyres, even though Michelin helped me make an exceptional start to the season."

Speculation has been growing that MotoGP could be heading for a ruling which would see a single tyre manufacturer supply all riders next season.

Bridgestone's dominance has been such that many believe the move is inevitable.

However, it is thought that Bridgestone does not have the capacity - or perhaps the desire - to fulfil that commitment.

In a statement, Honda and Michelin said they hope that MotoGP will continue with a multi-tyre brand regulation in 2009.

It was also stated that Michelin will equip Repsol Honda's other rider, Nicky Hayden, for the remainder of the 2008 season.