Michelin has revised its tyre lineup for this weekend’s Japanese MotoGP at Motegi, introducing a harder front tyre compound to better withstand the circuit’s demanding braking conditions. This adjustment reflects Michelin tyre changes Motegi aimed at improving performance and durability under intense stress.
Enhanced Front Tyre Compounds to Handle Motegi’s Braking Demands
Motegi, together with Buriram and the Red Bull Ring, is one of only three MotoGP venues requiring 340mm or 355mm brake discs due to frequent heavy deceleration zones. These conditions place exceptional strain on the tyres, particularly the front ones. To address these challenges, Michelin has reinforced the casing on the new hard compound front tyre, ensuring greater stability during powerful braking sequences.
Piero Taramasso, Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager at Michelin Motorsport, emphasized the circuit’s unique difficulties:
“Motegi is a special place… Its varied and demanding layout places heavy demands on the tyres,”
he said.
He further explained the adjustments made:
“To address these constraints, we have adjusted our range: last year’s Hard becomes the new Medium, the Medium becomes Soft, and we are introducing a Hard with a reinforced casing, ensuring optimal stability under braking.”
Nearly all riders relied on the hard front tyre (now classified as medium) during last year’s races, illustrating its effectiveness in meeting Motegi’s requirements.
Rear Tyre Options Remain Consistent with Previous Seasons
Michelin is maintaining last year’s rear tyre compounds for the Japanese round. This includes the soft and medium options, which have proven successful under the circuit’s mix of acceleration zones and varied rhythms.
Taramasso commented on the rear selections:
“At the rear, we are bringing back the two compounds that proved perfectly effective last year: the Soft, suited to the Tissot Sprint, and the Medium, ideal for the Grand Prix,”
he said.
He added insight into Motegi’s demands:
“Motegi is a typical ‘stop-and-go’ circuit, where acceleration zones and rhythm changes put the tyres to the test. The versatility of our compounds and our expertise in thermal management will be real assets for all our partners.”
Wet Tyre Choices Prepared for Potential Rain Impact
Should rain influence the race, which could affect the MotoGP title decider, Michelin will offer soft and medium wet tyres. These wet tyres also feature reinforced casing on the right-hand side to provide additional durability under wet conditions at Motegi.
Implications for Riders and the Race Weekend
Michelin’s strategic front tyre upgrades reflect a commitment to addressing the intense stress Motegi’s braking zones exert on tyres. By elevating last year’s hard to medium and introducing a new hard compound, Michelin aims to enhance rider confidence and performance during demanding segments. Meanwhile, the continuity in rear tyre options provides consistency in grip and durability.
These tyre changes will be critical as riders and teams adapt ahead of the race, potentially influencing strategies in this vital MotoGP round at Motegi.
