After Argentina, Michelin crossed the equator towards the United States for its big debut in MotoGP at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, which hosts the third round of the MotoGP World ChampionshipTM 2016.
After a difficult Argentinian weekend, the French tire manufacturer is focused on the next race which takes place in Austin, another unknown circuit for him on 2-wheelers. Michelin had carried out tests on this 5,513 km long route last year, but they were disrupted by the rain. Michelin Motorsport engineers were therefore only able to gather little information. In fact, Michelin sent three types of front tires to Austin to offer drivers different options for this moderately abrasive track. These are MICHELIN Power Slicks soft, medium and hard tires, respectively marked in white, no color, and yellow on the sidewalls.
At the rear, drivers have the choice between MICHELIN Power Slicks soft (white) and medium (without marking). The rear tires offer an asymmetrical architecture with a right side designed specifically for this technical and demanding circuit. The MICHELIN Power Rain, which proved its full potential during the Warm-up in Argentina – and the Power Inter are also available in case of gloomy weather. But the forecast calls for warm and sunny weather this weekend in Texas.
The Circuit of The Americas opened its doors in 2012. Its long straight – the longest in the championship – measures 1,200 km and its 20 very different turns make it a particularly technical circuit with slow curves, rapid sequences and violent braking. . It is a demanding circuit for the drivers and the tires. MotoGP has evolved here for the past three years and Marc Marquez – who won his very first victory with Michelin last weekend – has won all three editions! Its competitors will undoubtedly be determined to break this hegemony.
The action begins on Friday April 8 with the first two free practice sessions. Qualifying will be held on Saturday and the start of the race (21 laps) will be given on Sunday April 10 at 14:00 p.m. local time (21:00 p.m. French time).
Nicolas Goubert – Deputy Director, Technical Director and Supervisor of the Michelin Motorsport MotoGP program:
“COTA is still an unknown circuit for us because Michelin has never raced here on 2-wheelers. We did tests there last year, but they were ruined by rain. We were therefore not able to collect much data. It's a very demanding circuit with, probably, every type of corner that you can encounter on a circuit. With many sequences, fast curves, others slow and very intense braking, the tires will be extremely stressed, even if right-left wear should be regular. We have planned the best possible solutions based on these characteristics. We obviously expect a difficult race, but we are ready to take on the challenge. »
Piero Taramasso – Manager of 2-Wheel Michelin Motorsport:
“This is the third overseas race in a row. Our logistics service has therefore been put to the test since the start of the season. After Argentina, we arrive directly in the United States where the tires have been transported from different locations – South America and France – to arrive in time for the first tests on Friday. This is always an anxiety-provoking moment because we do not control the entire delivery process, unlike the transport of tires in Europe. But I'm sure everything will go well. We know the challenges that face us. We have the best suited products and everyone is very motivated. We're looking forward to being in the States because we've heard a lot about the MotoGP welcome here in Austin, and the Texan hospitality. »
