Michelin is ready for the resumption of the 2017 MotoGP™ World Championship in Brno with the Monster Energy Grand Prix České Republiky, 10e round of this fascinating season.
Michelin's ability to design tires for all manufacturers and all driving styles, plus the constant development to adapt the tires to different circuits, has made it possible, in part, to offer the tightest championship in years. At the dawn of this race on the Brno circuit (5,403 km), the four leaders of the championship, respectively Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Valentino Rossi ( Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) are separated by only 10 points.
The French manufacturer is sending MICHELIN Power Slicks to Brno designed specifically for the average abrasiveness of the circuit, the intense braking points, the acceleration zones and this undulating track with a drop of more than 70 meters between the highest point and the highest point. the lowest in the circuit. The soft, medium and hard front slicks are symmetrical, while the three rear versions are asymmetrical despite a rather well-balanced track with six left and eight right turns. But these fast curves put more stress on the right side of the tire, which requires harder rubber on that side.
The Masaryk Circuit, more commonly known as Automotodrom Brno, is located in the southeast of the Czech Republic, approximately 200 km from the capital Prague, near the borders with Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. It is the easternmost European event of the year which always attracts huge crowds. As at Assen and the Sachsenring, the first race was organized on the streets of Brno and the surrounding villages, before the permanent circuit – which includes a golf course – was built in 1987. The hills surrounding the circuit create natural stands for where an incredible atmosphere comes from.
Due to its geographical position, Brno can experience unstable weather, as was the case last year. So to cover all eventualities, MICHELIN Power Rain tires are available in soft and medium for the front and rear. Only the rear medium has an asymmetrical design with a harder right side, like the slicks.
For Michelin and the drivers, the resumption is scheduled for Friday August 4 with the first two free practice sessions, before two other free sessions the next day, just before qualifying which will determine the starting grid for the 22-lap race on Sunday August 6 , at 14:00 p.m.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport:
“It's good to return to competition here in Brno after the summer break, although we have been working hard to analyze the data from the first nine races and think about the strategy for the rest of the year. Brno is a complex circuit and always a real test for the tires. It is a wide track with a lot of elevation change and a wide variety of turns. Downhill braking zones put a lot of strain on the front, while the rear must provide consistency, stability and grip for the motorcycles' re-acceleration. The front and rear tires are heavily stressed, so products that perform well in all situations are required. Last year, we experienced a rainy race, but before the rain, we were able to achieve very good times on a dry track. We would like mild conditions this weekend to demonstrate the grip and consistency of our slicks throughout the race, for a great show and the pleasure of the many fans expected in Brno. »
