MotoGP: Michelin tires close to those of Austria for Thailand this weekend

In Buriram, Thailand, where the Chang International Circuit which hosts the “PTT Thailand Grand Prix” is located, Michelin will offer drivers and teams a rear tire adapted to the extreme temperatures generated by long straights.

Thailand precedes the first of three races over three weekends with the GPs of Japan, Australia and Malaysia. It is therefore a big organizational job, particularly in terms of logistics for the MotoGP paddock. Michelin has already had its tires transported for these four races via a mix of air and sea freight where the tires travel in refrigerated containers.

For this first overseas weekend, the Buriram circuit, 4,554 km long, is very demanding on the rear tire which must combat the extreme temperatures generated by the long straights. Available in soft, medium and hard with an asymmetrical design and a harder right side, the rear Michelin Power Slicks have a different construction for the Thai circuit to that usually used during the season, with the exception of Spielberg in Austria. These two circuits have similar configurations and require specific construction to control the thermal effect.

With these specially developed rear tires, the front Michelin Power Slicks are symmetrical and offered in soft, medium and hard.

The two pitfalls that await the competitors (and Michelin at the same time) are high temperatures, often greater than or equal to 30°, as well as a strong risk of rain. The Michelin Power Rain tires will be available this weekend in soft and medium for the front and rear, these rain tires have a symmetrical design for the front and medium rear, and asymmetrical for the soft rear with a straight side harder.

Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:

“This is our third visit to Buriram after the tests and the race last year, and each time we learned a lot to adapt our tires and think about improvements to make for the next visit. »

“It's a very harsh circuit for the rear tire, which overheats the rubber. We therefore offer a specific construction, which we only use in Austria, to control this thermal effect. »

“Last year we were told it would be cooler and rainy in October, but it was very hot and dry. We have therefore prepared a range of tires ready to face all conditions. »

“Very large numbers of spectators came to Buriram last year and it was a very good race. We hope that this will be the case this year too and that Michelin will play its part to offer the fans a great show. »

Range available for Buriram:

Michelin Power Slick

Avant

Soft (white band) – Symmetrical

Medium (no band) – Symmetrical

Hard (yellow stripe) – Symmetric

Back

Soft (white stripe) – Asymmetrical, harder right side

Medium (no band) – Asymmetrical, harder right side

Hard (yellow stripe) – Asymmetrical, right side harder

Michelin Power Rain

Avant