After a short trek through the Austrian mountains, Michelin arrives at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, 11e round of the 2017 MotoGP™ World Championship.
After the weekend in Brno and a day of testing on the Czech circuit on Monday, we must quickly concentrate on the Austrian race. The challenges that follow one another are always more complex to manage. This is the second appearance of the Red Bull Ring on the calendar after 18 years away from motorcycle Grand Prix. The particular profile of the route with its two “real” left turns, a fast left curve and seven right turns, an abrasive asphalt over 4,318 km, makes it a very demanding circuit for the tires, especially for the right shoulder. Michelin therefore offers a range of products adapted to these constraints.
Michelin had an excellent debut at Spielberg last year and used the information recorded from this race to provide tires suitable for this configuration. The MICHELIN Power Slicks are available in three versions at the front, all symmetrical, with soft, medium and hard. The rear tires, also offered in soft, medium and hard, are asymmetrical with a harder right side on all versions due to the greater number of right-hand corners. Due to its geographical position in the mountainous region of Styria, rainy weather is always possible during the weekend. The MICHELIN Power Rain are available in soft and medium for the front and rear. The rear tires are asymmetrical with the right side harder.
The Red Bull Ring was built in 1969. It was then known as the Österreichring. He made a notable return to MotoGP in 2016 with more than 200 spectators gathered in the stands and on the embankments bordering the track who witnessed an exciting race. All of this, along with impressive, modern infrastructure, led to this event being named Grand Prix of the Year 000 by the Grand Prix Commission, a distinction the event aims to retain this year.
Michelin and the MotoGP paddock will take to the track on Friday August 11 in the morning for the first free practice session before a second in the afternoon. On Saturday, after two other free practice sessions, qualifying will be held in the afternoon and will determine the starting grid for this 28-lap Grand Prix, the start of which will be given on Sunday August 13 at 14:00 p.m.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport;
“It’s a very busy time for us. After the Brno race, we did a day of testing before heading straight to Austria. We had a very positive weekend at the Red Bull Ring last year where our tires performed well in extreme temperatures. It was cold the first day, and it was almost 30°C on the track for the race. Their longevity was very satisfactory with a lap record established at the end of the race. The profile of the circuit is unique with two “real” left turns. Last year, we brought tires well suited to this profile and this year again we will have high-performance products on this interesting track. The 2016 race was impressive and I'm sure it will be the same this year. We're going to make sure our tires make this race as exciting and thrilling as possible. »
