MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin surprised everyone this Friday at Misano by announcing that the launch of its new front tyre, initially scheduled for 2025, will be postponed to 2026. Piero Taramasso, Michelin Racing Director, explained that this strategic decision was taken following the tests carried out at Misano after the San Marino Grand Prix.
During these tests, the riders were able to test this new front tire for the first time, featuring a completely new design. Although the initial feedback was generally positive, Taramasso specified: " It was only after the last tests in Misano that we decided to postpone the introduction until 2026 which was actually planned for the coming season. The test in Misano was positive and we collected a lot of data and experience. Nevertheless, Our goal is to produce a tire that appeals to all MotoGP riders »
The new tire has received mixed reviews from some riders. While leaders like George Martin et Francis Bagnaia seemed pleased with this new development, others, like Marc Marquez, expressed reservations. " It is necessary to understand that to bring the tire to 2025, We wanted to do the first test at Mugello. But it literally fell into the water. And after just one test, it would be too early ", has explained Taramasso, emphasizing the importance of further development before racing introduction.
Marc Marquez had expressed reservations about this new Michelin tire that had won over Pecco Bagnaia
The tire, which is almost one kilo lighter and partly composed of new materials, is designed to be compatible with the future generation of MotoGP from 2027. Taramasso specified: " The new tire is almost a kilo lighter and is designed to work with the new generation MotoGP from 2027. It is no secret that Michelin wants to continue to be active as a supplier in MotoGP from 2027 and we hope to conclude the corresponding contract with Dorna during the season. »
Teams will have to continue to manage current tire pressures, a particularly complex challenge. Taramasso confirmed that the teams have acquired the knowledge necessary to control variations in atmospheric pressure: " The teams work with extremely precise calculations and the atmospheric pressure no longer exceeds 2,0 bars »
For Michelin , it is crucial that the new tyre is perfect for all drivers, hence the cautious approach. While leading drivers had hoped to see the tyre in 2025, they will have to wait another year to see how it will impact racing. In the meantime, drivers will have to make do with the current tyres, with little change in performance until the end of 2025. With engine development also frozen, this could mean little change in the performance hierarchy over the next two seasons. MotoGP.
