Michelin is not affected by the thawing of the regulations allowing manufacturers to focus again on the development of their motorcycle. As such, it is a new engine which is relevant for some, including Suzuki and Yamaha. But within the sole manufacturer of MotoGP, there will be nothing new such as Piero Taramasso says, who also specifies the particular destiny of a rear tire that he announces “put in reserve”…
MotoGP teams can work on their new bikes with the peace of mind of having to rely on tires known from last season. This stability is the positive aspect to consider in the manufacturers' staffs and it is significant. We will remember, in fact, that the arrival of a different carcass in 2020 had changed the destiny ofAndrea Dovizioso in Ducati. But in 2022, there will be no leap into the unknown: “ next year, the drivers who will race with the tires they already know from this season" assures the man of the competition at the bibendum.
However, during tests in Jerez who were already preparing for the next campaign, we saw the appearance of a rear tire offering particular characteristics. But the same Taramasso nevertheless refuses to speak of a real novelty and, above all, it announces a particular political and sporting management of this allocation… “ The tire that the drivers tested in Jerez is actually not that new. We've already put it on track in the Qatar and Misano tests, but we need to verify it further » he assures speedweek.
Michelin is sensitive to criticism
However, it has properties that set it apart from its elders: “ the current tire normally needs two turns to reach the ideal working temperature. The tire we test works from the first moment. We see it in lap times », described Taramasso. A faculty that pilots Honda, lacking grip on the rear tire, can only appreciate, and it was also evaluated by Pol Espargaro on the 213 RC2022V with encouraging comments.
However, the men of Honda should not rejoice too quickly. Piero Taramasso thus defeats their enthusiasm: “ as always, there are drivers who like the tire and others who don't. To avoid the criticism to which we would be exposed, which is the case, we therefore keep the tire in reserve ". The unique manufacturer therefore listens to what is said and also preserves itself.
But we're talking about the rear tire. What about ahead? Since 2017, Michelin do not modify the front tire. In 2018, the mixtures were defined and the same carcass has been used since then: “a change of the front tire will only take place in 2024 or 2025", finished Taramasso.
