Michelin and the MotoGP World ChampionshipTM 2017 are on the way to the northernmost event of the year, the Motul TT Assen, in the Netherlands, 8th round of the season.
4,542 km long, the circuit is also called the “Cathedral of Speed”. It is a favorite of fans and drivers on which memorable races have taken place in front of an audience of connoisseurs from all over Europe. It's 87e edition of the famous Dutch TT organized for the first time in 1925 and every year, except 1940 and 1945 because of the Second World War. When the Motorcycle World Championship was launched in 1949, Assen was already on the calendar and has been there ever since, which makes it unique.
The track is very technical with turns varying from slow to very fast. This profile requires good rear grip – particularly on the corner – throughout the six left and twelve right corners of the circuit. There is no very violent braking and the track is not very taxing on the front tire – unlike other circuits visited recently. The front MICHELIN Power Slicks, available in soft, medium and hard, are therefore all symmetrical.
On the other hand, the rear tires are asymmetrical to withstand the stresses, with a right side equipped with a harder rubber to offer better longevity and optimum grip on the more numerous right-hand curves. The left side has a softer mixture to promote revving and maintain optimal operating temperature while the motorcycle is on the right corner. The rear tires are available in soft (white stripe), medium (without stripe) and hard (yellow stripe) with compounds adapted to the average abrasiveness of the track. Last year was the wettest race of the MotoGP season, and although no one wants to get soaked again, Michelin has planned a range of MICHELIN Power Rain in soft and medium.
The Dutch TT traditionally took place on Saturday before a change last year. It will still be contested on Sunday this year, but at a different time. The first runs are scheduled for Friday June 23 for testing, followed by other testing sessions and qualifying on Saturday. The 26-lap Grand Prix will start on Sunday at 13:00 p.m.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport:
“Assen is always a difficult race to get to grips with because you never know what the weather will be like. We were very cold, very hot and last year it rained so hard that the race had to be stopped prematurely. We must therefore be prepared for all eventualities, especially since Assen is a historic meeting of the championship. The surface is inconsistent and the mix of old and new asphalt provides different levels of grip and abrasiveness. The new sections are slippery and the old ones are abrasive, which makes life difficult for drivers on a lap. And it's even trickier in the rain. Despite everything, this circuit is one of the drivers' favorites with fast and slow curves. Tires have to deal with different forces. It is also a track where drivers can take several trajectories which makes the races very interesting. We offer tires that offer grip and longevity in the dry and in the rain and we hope to have an exciting weekend. »
