The question of respecting the minimum pressure of 1,9 bar that Michelin recommends for its front tire in MotoGP did not concern many people before the advent of a single pressure sensor. Its results could in fact serve as a basis for possible complaints. A veritable Pandora's box has since opened, with this chain admission from drivers, notably Ducati, that this recommendation was very little followed on the starting grid. Today we are talking about security issues, which the protagonists undoubtedly confuse with competitiveness imperatives. Because who can seriously imagine that Michelin has never taken into account the safety of drivers with this rule which does not date from today? Alex Marquez, now a rider for the Ducati clan, throws a new paving stone into the mix.
The question of front tire pressure at the start of a MotoGP Grand Prix must be put into perspective, otherwise the subject will be included among the list of rules laid down but never followed. A hypocrisy which is not up to the level of the players in the competition nor of a World Championship. Yes but here it is, leave with 1,9 and riding like an ox in the peloton is the guarantee of heating up the rubber which will further increase in pressure, thus reducing its effectiveness.
Tire pressure in MotoGP will be monitored this season and although, in the first meetings, no penalty will be awarded for non-compliance with the measures set by Michelin , the idea is that this becomes within the realm of possibility after the testing phase. A novelty compared to 2022 which seems to sow the beginnings of panic.
Alex Marquez: “being with too little pressure in the lead is not an advantage either"
But is all this even feasible? Alex Marquez the question also arises, but it also warns of the consequences… “ So after the race you could be disqualified... I think last year in Australia if these rules had been in place something like 13 drivers would have been disqualified ».
He specifies : " you never know where you're going to be in the race. Being with too little pressure in the lead is not an advantage either. This is what they need to understand ". Then the pilot Gresini Ducati ends on motorcyclesports : " in the first races this rule will not be in place, I think they will make the decision after two races. But I don't think they'll decide anything ". Should we welcome it or regret it?
