• After the great success of the Michelin ® French Grand Prix, the MotoGP riders return to the Catalan classic and the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.
• Relatively high temperatures in the air and on the ground are expected for the 2024 Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
The Barcelona-Catalunya circuit is relatively new, having been built in 1991 in anticipation of the 1992 Summer Olympics. It has been used on various occasions for different non-motorized sports (such as cycling races), but it hosts the MotoGP every year since 1996.
The 2023 edition allowed new records to be established: in Q2, Francis Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) set the new absolute track record by recording a time of 1'38.639. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) achieved the maximum speed reached, with 356,4 km/h. Considering the numerous records broken since the start of the year with the new Michelin rubber compounds, it seems obvious that the drivers will be keen to try to establish new benchmarks.
But this year the Grand Prix returns to its usual place in mid-spring, at the beginning of June, instead of at the beginning of September last season. This will bring some changes, particularly in terms of outside and ground temperatures, although the weather is mild in Catalonia at this season.
The circuit has a development of 4,627 km, with six left turns and eight right turns, but also a straight line of 1 m. It is a track that allows very high speeds to be reached, while its generous width (047 m) allows drivers to fully express themselves and attempt overtaking in many places.
« The level of stiffness of the tires is very close to what we had here last year,” indicated Piero Taramasso, manager of Michelin's two-wheel competition. “As always, we have three symmetrical rubber compounds (Soft, Medium and Hard) for the front wheel, and we have selected asymmetrical Soft and Medium compounds for the rear with the harder right shoulder. The Barcelona circuit is very demanding and should not be underestimated. Often, the heat is present, and this phenomenon coupled with the demands of the route make the race difficult to prepare for. However, we know the track well and we have complete confidence in the tires we bring. This combination with the 2024 bikes should give a very high level of performance throughout the weekend. But while the surface of the circuit was resurfaced in 2018, we noticed over the years that the grip was decreasing, to the point of becoming very low. The asphalt is so smooth that motorcycles can spin when accelerating in a straight line. Riders will then have to choose their tires carefully, but also work carefully on the traction control and anti-slip of their motorcycle. The calibration of these piloting aids will be essential. We are nevertheless convinced that our MICHELIN Power Slick ranges will be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead of us, even if the phenomenon of slippage will be an important point to monitor in order to preserve the performance of the tires over time. »
In the event of rain, the MICHELIN Power Rain range will be offered in Soft and Medium rubbers for the front and rear. The latter are also asymmetrical, with a harder right side, like the slick ranges.
