The first of three consecutive overseas races takes Michelin to the far east with the Motul Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, before extending its trip to Australia and then Malaysia.
Twin Ring Motegi (4,801 km) is located in the north of the Kantō region of Haga District, in Tochigi Prefecture, about three hours' drive from the capital Tokyo. In the middle of a vast forest, the complex includes a circuit on which MotoGP drivers will compete, and an oval used by different American series such as NASCAR or CART. Initially built in 1997 by Honda as a test track, the circuit became a permanent fixture on the MotoGP calendar in 1999, initially as the Japanese GP, before becoming the Pacific Grand Prix between 2000 and 2003, then returning to the country's racing title in 2004.
With braking and acceleration zones, an undulating profile, six left turns and eight right turns, and above all its abrasive surface, the circuit is very demanding on the tires. All these parameters, plus generally low temperatures in Motegi at this time of year, mean that the tires need to be at their peak to give the best performance to all riders and machines. The front MICHELIN Power Slicks tires, soft, medium and hard, have a symmetrical design, while the rear tires are asymmetrical with a reinforced right side due to more right turns. The rubbers of all these tires have been specifically selected for the requirements of this track. Bad weather is still possible in Japan in October, the MICHELIN Power Rain are available in soft and medium versions for the front and in extra soft and soft for the rear, all of these tires having a symmetrical design.
The season is reaching its maximum intensity – there are four races remaining – and the championship is still very open with the first five grouped in 56 points. 100 points are still to be distributed, the final promises to be particularly close. The first of these last four events will begin in Motegi on Friday October 13 with the first of two free practice sessions. Qualifying will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 15, at 14:00 p.m. local time (7:00 a.m. French time), MotoGP riders will set off for 24 laps that will push Michelin tires to their limits in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport:
“As we approach the end of the season and the awarding of titles, we are facing one of the biggest challenges of the year. These three overseas events represent a very big effort in terms of logistics. We have already sent 70% of the tires by sea, the rest will be transported by air. It's never easy to predict the conditions that await us, especially in Australia, but we have good experience with last season and that helps us in our preparation, unless it snows! »
“The first race in Japan takes place on a circuit that is very difficult for the tires because of the violent braking for 90 degree curves. You need tires capable of withstanding all these efforts, but also with good warm-up because temperatures can be cold in Motegi in the mornings. The coating offers good grip. We offer the highest performance tires possible in order to ensure the best show as since the start of the season. »
Download the Racecard in French:
