The fourth round of the MotoGP World ChampionshipTM 2016, one of the most popular and anticipated of the season, will take place in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Michelin has already carried out several days of testing on the Spanish circuit to prepare for its return to MotoGP and will arrive in Jerez with tires developed specifically for this very varied track. Thanks to the data collected in tests last November and December, and the valuable information gleaned during the first three Grand Prix of the season, Michelin will be able to offer high-performance products offering stability, longevity and safety. The front tires will be available in soft (white marking), medium (without marking) and hard (yellow marking).
This 4,4 km long circuit is not as harsh on tires as those visited at the start of the season, but it still requires different solutions to provide the best possible performance from the machines. So the rear tire structure will be stiffer, like the one used for the first time in Austin. It will be associated with a softer rubber developed especially for the Jerez circuit. The MICHELIN Power Slick rear tire will be available in a soft version with a symmetrical design, while the medium version will be asymmetrical (harder on the right side to take into account the greater number of right turns). The rear tires will be identified by a white marking for the soft, and without a colored stripe for the medium. In case of rainy weather, Michelin will offer front and rear Power Rain tires in soft and hard.
Even though this MotoGP is the first in a series of four organized in Spain this year, it is the only one to be officially called the “Spanish Grand Prix”. Like last year, this GP should again attract around 250 spectators over three days. Due to this crowd and this audience of enthusiasts, this race is considered the real start of the MotoGP season. Located in Andalusia, in the heart of the Sherry vineyards, the circuit is varied with fast and slow curves, long straights and violent braking. He very often offered memorable battles. Michelin triumphed there with the greatest champions.
Michelin and its partners will take to the track on Friday for two free practice sessions of 45 minutes each, followed by a third session the following morning. Qualifying will take place on Saturday afternoon. The start of the Spanish Grand Prix (27 laps) will be given on Sunday at 14:00 p.m.
Nicolas Goubert – Deputy Director, Technical Director of Michelin Motorsport and Head of MotoGP:
“In terms of tires, Jerez is not as demanding as the circuits at the start of the season, or those to come. But this track has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to develop the best solutions. The specific compounds that we will use will allow the tire to deliver the best over an entire lap of this very varied circuit. We conducted various tests at Jerez and it is a track where Michelin has won a lot in MotoGP in the past. For the first time this season, we will arrive with a lot of information. That being said, it's the first time in seven years that we're going to race there. We are still in a learning phase and we will be throughout the season. »
Piero Taramasso – 2-Wheel Manager at Michelin Motorsport:
“The start of the season has been very intense for the whole team and we can't wait to arrive in Europe. It's a bit like being back at home! For the first time this season, we will have our own assembly benches, offices and hospitality. But somewhere, between Clermont-Ferrand and Jerez, it is a long journey, the longest of the season for our drivers. In fact, the logistics service had to be strengthened. Jerez is ideal to kick off the European season with a fantastic crowd. So, we can't wait to give him a great show. »