Michelin has worked hard during the off-season to advance its range of tires for MotoGP™. In a period made difficult by the Covid-19 pandemic, Dorna Sports opted for technological stability and Michelin adhered to this vision. The Michelin Motorsport development team therefore worked to optimize the available elements, in particular the association between the structure of the tires and their rubber compounds. The result of this activity is a simpler and more versatile 2021 range, as well as improved in terms of consistency, according to the French manufacturer's credo: “grip made to last”.
During the March testing sessions, Michelin completed all pre-season tests and is now ready for the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship which will start under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit, Qatar, on March 28 . In compliance with strict health protocols, Dorna Sports organized two Grand Prix one week apart with the help of the Emirate government: The Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar (March 28) and the Grand Prix of Doha ( April 4).
According to tradition, both events take place at night, which gives them a unique character. The Losail International Circuit is located in a desert environment, frequently swept by gusts of wind which deposit sand on the asphalt, making it particularly abrasive. In addition, during the evening the grip decreases as temperatures drop and the surface becomes even more slippery. Despite these phenomena, the performance of Michelin tires over the 5,380 km of the Losail track has always been remarkable and the French manufacturer now holds the lap, race duration and maximum speed records.
Tire allocation for the two races in Qatar
MICHELIN Power Slick : SOFT (white stripe), MEDIUM (without stripe) and HARD (yellow stripe) for front and rear. The SOFT and HARD front tires have a symmetrical construction, while the MEDIUM, like the rear tires, is asymmetrical with a harder right side, as this circuit has 10 right turns and only 6 left. The allocation has been adapted to the characteristics of the track, so each driver will choose a maximum of 6 SOFT tires, 5 MEDIUM tires and 4 HARD tires for the front and rear.
In the event of gloomy weather, and if the Race Direction authorizes them, the MICHELIN Power Rain are available in SOFT (blue stripe) and MEDIUM (without stripe) for the front and rear, the latter being asymmetrical.
Piero Taramasso – Two-wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport
« I am very proud of the work carried out by the Michelin team both in Clermont-Ferrand and on the ground. Despite the difficult working conditions, the women and men of Michelin Motorsport completed the development of an in-depth range of MotoGP tires, based on existing technical elements and based on the experience of 2020. The results of the pre-season tests are very encouraging and the development objectives have been achieved. Michelin is now able to offer riders a simpler and more versatile 2021 range, which makes motorcycle adjustments easier. We also worked on tire consistency, refocusing the range on a slightly higher level of hardness, while maximizing grip and performance. These benefits were recognized by our partners during trials in Qatar. During the two sessions, Michelin also contributed to the achievement of two records for MotoGP: The fastest lap of the Losail circuit, achieved by Jack Miller (Ducati Team) in 1'53.183'', and the highest top speed highest ever reached, because the Ducati of Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) was “flashed” on the pit straight at 357,6 km/h! »
