MotoGP Austin: Michelin is ready to take on the challenge of COTA [CP]

For the first and last time of the season, and the first time since 2019, the Michelin Motorsport team and the MotoGP paddock^™ are heading to the United States for the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), near Austin, Texas.

In the past, this undulating, bumpy and abrasive 5,514 km track was a real challenge for the MICHELIN Power Slicks tires. The circuit has been developed in recent years, notably in 2018 where resurfacing was planned to eliminate certain bumps. But then the track became somewhat unpredictable and tire choices were difficult to optimize.

Another big unknown this year is the temperature. The event was traditionally organized in April with average temperatures of around 25°C. In September, average temperatures exceed 30°C.

Easily identifiable thanks to its 76,5 m high tower, the Circuit of the Americas is one of the latest to join the MotoGP calendar and this will be Michelin's fifth visit since its return to the premier category. The circuit is counter-clockwise and certain parts were inspired by sections of iconic tracks such as Hockenheim, Silverstone, Interlagos or Österreichring. These curves, as well as the impressive 40 m height difference at Turn 1, the 1,2 km straight and a demanding surface, make this race one of the most testing of the season for Michelin tires.

The allocation of Michelin slick tires for COTA was selected to meet all these constraints on each lap of this abrasive circuit which has 11 right and 9 left turns. Available in Soft, Medium and Hard, the front tires are symmetrical, while the four rear options – including an additional Hard due to resurfacing – are asymmetrical with a harder right side to handle the heavier loads on that side of the tire. pneumatic.

Even though it has never rained in a race in Austin since Michelin's return to MotoGP, rain always remains a possibility. MICHELIN Power Rain tires have been designed to give drivers confidence and allow them to attack to the limits on wet tracks. They are offered in Soft and Medium for the front and rear, the latter being asymmetrical with a harder right shoulder.

About this Texan meeting, Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager, said: “ It's going to be a big change to leave Europe for the first time since the opening two races of the season in Qatar, but it's great to be able to reunite with the fans in the US and see them attend this fabulous spectacle put on by MotoGP nowadays »

« COTA has always been a real challenge for tires, not only because of the profile of the track, its mix of turns and its difference in altitude, but also because of the level of grip which is always difficult to determine. It will be even more complicated this year because we have never raced here at this time. The track temperature will be different from what we usually experience, and we haven't raced here since April 2019. A lot of things could have changed. That being said, I am certain that our allocation will allow the drivers to attack to the limits and will contribute to an intense and exciting race. »

The action will start on Friday 1^er October with two Free Practice sessions, before two others on Saturday, followed by Qualifications 1 and 2 which will decide the starting grid. The race, 20 laps long, will start on Sunday October 3 at 14:00 p.m. local time (21:00 p.m. French time). The championship will then return to Europe for the last three Grands Prix of the 2021 season.