Kent Andersson: Michelin’s First Motorcycle World Champion GREENVILLE, S.C. – It is with great sadness that Michelin has learned of the passing of former 125cc Grand Prix World Champion Kent Andersson on Aug. 29, at age 64. In 1974, Andersson became the first rider to ever win a GP World Championship using Michelin® tires. While Michelin was just getting its feet wet in Grand Prix racing in the early 1970s, Andersson had already tasted success since his GP debut in 1968, with several 250cc wins and the 125cc championship in 1973. But it was the combination of Andersson, Michelin PZ tires and a Yamaha 125 in 1974 that ushered in an era of Michelin supremacy in Grand Prix racing, an era that continues in the present-day MotoGP class. The entire Michelin organization is humbled to have been associated with a great champion like Kent Andersson. Our sincerest condolences go out to Andersson’s family, friends and many fans.