Head to Germany and the Sachsenring for the ninth round of the MotoGP World ChampionshipTM 2018, the Pramac Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland organized on the shortest circuit of the season.
The 3,671 km long route turns decidedly left with 10 of its 13 turns in this direction. This confined and slow circuit is one of the most complicated of the season and the races that take place there are generally close and intense. Due to a complete resurfacing last year, Michelin arrived at Sachsenring with relatively little data due to noise restrictions prohibiting testing with MotoGP machines. But this year, Michelin and the teams are better prepared thanks to the data collected in 2017.
The technical route, rather slow overall, nevertheless offers long and fast left curves which put a strain on this side of the tire. The front and rear MICHELIN Power Slicks are asymmetrical and available in soft, medium and hard to withstand all the constraints of the Sachsenring. These tires have a harder left side due to a large number of left turns, while the right side rubber is softer for quick acceleration and thus giving drivers the grip and confidence necessary for the three curves to the right, especially in the morning when the temperatures are quite cool.
At the time, the circuit took the roads around the city of Chemnitz, former East Germany, near Dresden and Leipzig. The permanent circuit was inaugurated in 1996 and hosted its first motorcycle Grand Prix in 1998. The layout was modified in 2001. Its geographical location usually attracts a large, noisy crowd on race weekends, but it also often attracts clouds and rain. The MICHELIN Power Rain are offered in soft and medium front and rear, the latter having an asymmetrical design with a harder left side.
Michelin and MotoGP players will take to the track on Friday July 13 for two free practice sessions in preparation for the 30-lap long race. Qualifying will take place on Saturday after two other free practice sessions. The start of the ninth round of the season is scheduled for 14:00 p.m. local time on Sunday July 15. This race will mark the end of the first mid-season before a shortened summer break this year.
Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
“We will arrive at the Sachsenring much better prepared than in 2017 when we did not have the opportunity to test the new surface. This time, we have technical data and we have been able to develop tires adapted to the specificities of this very technical and demanding circuit: anti-clockwise direction, numerous left turns and fast curves. The drivers spend a lot of time on the left corner and when they switch to the right, that side has lost temperature and must get up to speed quickly. The two sides of the tire must therefore work differently and give confidence to the drivers. It can be very cool, but also very hot when the sun comes out. Our package, selected at the start of the season, takes all these parameters into account and we are confident. »
