The next date on the MotoGP™ calendar takes Michelin to the other side of the Pyrenees, to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, for the seventh round of the 2018 championship, the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
The 4,627 km of the circuit have been completely re-surfaced since last season, but Michelin was able to make its tire selection after a test session recently conducted on site. The announcement of the resurfacing of the track, before the start of the season, led Michelin to retain four front and four rear MICHELIN Power Slicks for the race weekend. But the data collected last month in tests made it possible to reduce this package to three front and three rear tires, like on other MotoGPs. The fronts, available in soft, medium and hard, are symmetrical, while the three rears, also in soft, medium and hard, have a harder right side to tackle the eight right-hand bends (compared to five on the left).
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya opened its doors in 1991. It is one of the most beautiful motorsport complexes of the modern era. The track offers elevation, intense braking, fast curves, a straight line of more than a kilometer, and all this 25 km from the vibrant city of Barcelona and in front of more than 100 fans gathered in the stands on the day of the race.
Michelin will not only be faced with a new surface, but the circuit also presents a new configuration. During the last two editions, the route had to be modified during the race weekend for different reasons. For 2018, safety has been improved and the new track will be used for the first time in MotoGP. And so, new lap and maximum speed records will be set this weekend. The race distance will also be changed, going from 25 to 24 laps.
The range of Michelin tires is completed by the MICHELIN Power Rain which will be available in soft and medium for the front and rear, the rears being asymmetrical in the same way as the slicks.
Michelin and the MotoGP players will take to the track on Friday June 15 for the first of two free practice sessions. Qualifying will take place on Saturday. The start of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya is scheduled for Sunday June 17 at 14:00 p.m. local time.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport:
“Catalunya was a new track for which we had little information during the tire selections before the start of the season. The recent tests that we have carried out, with practically the entire MotoGP field, have given us a more precise idea of the products to offer for this re-surfaced and modified track. The tests were very positive and the drivers gave us very good feedback, which allowed us to choose specific tires perfectly suited to the new surface. The times were very fast, even comparing them to the old track. We are therefore hoping for good performances this weekend. It is one of the biggest meetings of the season and the circuit generally offers great battles. We therefore hope to participate in the show by offering our drivers the best tires. »
