It's been a long time since we talked about the products offered in MotoGP by Michelin, the sole manufacturer in the category. It was Andrea Dovizioso's favorite subject last season to explain his average performance in the competition with the Ducati. It comes back into the conversation after a Doha Grand Prix in particular which revealed disturbing differences in performance from one assembly to another. Pol Espargaró talks about it openly. Regretting not having answers.
At the end of the two competitions losail, who brilliantly launched the 2021 season of MotoGP, the question Michelin was not really asked by the protagonists. But as the third round approaches, and it will take place next weekend at the Portugal, a reflection is made on the tires and the consequences observed in Qatar on the results.
There is thus first the analysis made from the outside by a Andrea Dovizioso enjoying a year off from the saddle of his motocross bike. The three-time world vice-champion draws on the misfortunes of Morbidely to raise the question of erasers: “ it's very strange to be the fastest in all the laps of the off-season until race 1 and then have problems and not find the feeling again » begins Dovi who continues automotorinews.it : " I don't want to blame anyone, but these things have been happening since these tires arrived. Already last year, situations changed from one race to another. Last season I experienced this from the inside and I had difficulty finding an explanation, now seen from the outside it's even worse ».
He ends, compassionate for his colleagues still in office: “ It's not pleasant to live in certain situations. Maybe this can be good for the series, but I don't see it that way. Until 2019 the situation was clear and you could work on certain aspects. Now sometimes it suits you and other times you finish thirteenth ».
Michelin: questions about performance differences from one tire to another
Here is now a feeling forged by an experience “ inside ”, as Dovi says. It is that of Pol Espargaro : " I don't know if the tires contribute to our very volatile performance » comments the Honda official on speedweek. " I can't answer the question of how much it depends on the tires and how much it has to do with our bike. In any case, new problems arise. The fact is that during qualifying on April 3, I was not able to run 1'55 with the first rear tire. Then I went 1 second faster with the identical compound. It's undisputed ».
He adds : " at KTM they complain of similar problems, just like Maverick and Rossi. Maverick suddenly went 1,5 seconds faster in qualifying at the Doha Grand Prix a week ago, but it was the same compound! Oddly enough, Ducati doesn't seem to have this problem. At least not to the same extent as other drivers ».
We see, there are only questions around Michelin , but no response. A suspicion, but no certainties. Without going as far as Marco Melandri which flatly asserts that the drawing of lots between the teams would be a real hoax, we can, at the very least, take into consideration with the greatest respect these questions from men of the art of the level of Dovizioso and Pol Espargaro.
