The curtain fell on the 2020 MotoGP™ season and Michelin contributed to the clear victory of local hero Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in the Grande Prémio MEO de Portugal contested on the Circuit International of the'Algarve, near Portimão.
This is the very first time that MotoGP has visited this impressive Portuguese circuit with its incessant changes in altitude which have earned it the nickname “slide”. The 4,592 km long track was unanimous among the drivers who took advantage of all the grip offered by the MICHELIN Power Slicks to tame it. According to the regulations, Michelin could offer four front slick tires and four rear slicks – permitted on a new circuit or in the event of recent resurfacing, the Algarve International Circuit met both conditions. With the undulations of the track, the grip of the rear tire was decisive when accelerating uphill, while the stability of the front tire was crucial when braking downhill. During the two days of testing, all eight slicks were tested and four specifications were selected for the 25-lap long race. The symmetrical medium and hard were the most popular at the front, while all the drivers opted for the rear hard, either in the symmetrical or asymmetrical version.
Oliveira took pole position on Saturday, becoming the first Portuguese driver to start at the top of a Grand Prix in the premier category. He made an excellent start to take the lead at the first corner and was never again worried, getting maximum grip from his MICHELIN Power Slicks to win by more than three seconds after setting the fastest lap race. This second victory of the 2020 season is also accompanied by success in the First Independent Rider category.
The race took place under the sun, but with a little wind, and a track temperature of 28°C. Incredible battles took place in the peloton, like the one between Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), engaged in a new epic duel after that of last weekend, for the podium places. This time, the Australian gained the upper hand to finish second, enough to hand the Manufacturers' title to Ducati, while third-placed Morbidelli took the Independent Rider title. Pol Espargaró (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crossed the line in fourth position for his final race with KTM before joining Honda next season. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda) finished fifth ahead of Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), sixth before taking a year off. Stefan Bradl (Repsol Honda Team) achieved his best result with a seventh place. Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini), eighth, Álex Márquez (Repsol Honda Team), ninth and Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) complete the top ten. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) competed in his last Grand Prix and will be a test rider for Yamaha.
It is therefore the winter break for Michelin and MotoGP. The French tire manufacturer will now analyze the data from this season in preparation for the tests scheduled for February before the start of the 2021 season scheduled at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on Sunday March 28, 2021.
Miguel Oliveira – Red Bull KTM Tech 3:
« It was a great race. I was one of the few to go hard before and I was a little worried at first because of the wind, I didn't know what effect it would have on the temperature, but everything worked out well. I have absolutely no complaints about the rear tire, the weekend was perfect for me. »
Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
« What a fantastic circuit that gave us some spectacular moments this weekend! We did some testing here in October, but that never fully prepares you for the demands of the race. We had selected a very good range of tires, all of which were tested this weekend. The relatively high temperatures did not allow the soft to be retained for the race, even if the rear soft had performed very well in qualifying. We offered eight specifications of slick tires this weekend – with four front and four rear – and six could be used for the race, which we were happy with as it was our first visit here and the technicians had to select the compounds with relatively little effort. data. Finally, four solutions were chosen, including symmetrical and asymmetrical hard fronts. So we did well to bring these two options. On this very technical track, the performance of the tires was highlighted throughout the event and allowed for some great overtaking maneuvers. »
« We had a great season, despite all the difficulties off the track, with nine different winners and many manufacturers on the podiums. It was difficult logistically as we had to supply a lot of tires for very close races, but we overcame this challenge without any problem. The new rear tire construction launched this season to offer even more grip and stability was a new challenge for the teams. Some very quickly found the optimum settings, others had to make adaptations to the machines and the pilots had to modify their driving style. But it was very positive with many records broken and exciting races all year round. The MotoE championshipTM was also very interesting. We launched new front and rear tires with rubber incorporating regenerated materials and the performance was there with reduced lap times and very good feedback from the drivers. It’s been a great season for Michelin and we can’t wait to start the next one. »
« On behalf of Michelin, I would like to congratulate Dorna, the IRTA, the FIM, all the teams and riders, the Michelin staff and all those who took part in this MotoGP season. It was not easy to organize a championship in these complicated times, but the organizers worked hard to offer a magnificent spectacle to all the fans. We hope that the 2021 season will be more “normal” and see you in Qatar in March! »
« To conclude, a quick word for Richard Rodrigues, the technician who contributed to Suzuki's happiness and who is joining Michelin's 4-wheel department, I wish him the best. Thanks also to Tim Walpole who accompanied us during these five years in MotoGP, a man of great value and an excellent press officer whom we all appreciate. Professional, positive and passionate, Tim will always be part of the Michelin family and will always be welcome in the MotoGP paddock. »
