This year, Michelin presented spectacular new tires for MotoE, visually with a very different appearance from the rubber usually used, and as soon as they appeared the riders MotoGP have informed the French manufacturer of their wish to have the same thing in the premier category of the Grands Prix…
What is it about ? Here are some answers.
Last year, Michelin used tires in MotoE containing a good proportion of more renewable and recycled materials: 52% at the front and 34% at the rear. Michelin considers biosourced or recycled elements, which are neutral for the environment, to be renewable and recycled materials. Examples include latex, orange and lemon peels, sunflower oil, pine resin, as well as gum and recycled metal which are used in the composition of these tires. Research is not limited to the MotoE category, since for example Michelin knows how to transform rice husk into silica for the Hypercars taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the electric-hydrogen prototype – the LMPH2G MissionH24 Green GT uses gums more than 63% renewable and recycled.
Like all the championships in which it is involved, Michelin uses MotoE as a test laboratory for its future technologies. The objective is to be able to integrate them partially or entirely into the next generations of competition or mass-produced tires. Michelin thus intends to develop increasingly durable tires for everyone, without forgetting the spectacular and avant-garde side of the technologies put on the track.
This ecological approach by the men of Clermont-Ferrand, however, has not had the media coverage it deserves, lost among the sports results and news from other categories.
Bidendum therefore decided to take the knife between his teeth, or rather the awl in the mold, to modify the visual appearance of his tires in order to make his know-how known! Several solutions were undoubtedly considered to draw attention to this approach, including abandoning the emblematic black color of the tires (Michelin knows how to do it), but ultimately it was a “velvet-looking” design. reminiscent of the organic cells that the choice was made.
And it’s a success: the eye is attracted by the pleasant patterns, the finger too…
Let's be honest, velvet patterns only have the name, and not the softness, but actually the feel is different, slightly more grainy. But that's not the important thing: the communication operation is a success, and has already aroused many envious people in MotoGP.
In 2024, MotoE tires this year contain 53% renewable and recycled materials at the rear, and 49% at the front. In 2022, the proportions were 40% at the rear, and 33% at the front.
The goal is to reach 100% by 2050. " We'll make it " told us at Le Mans Piero Taramasso, manager of Michelin's two-wheel competition.
How long does the design last when the tires are rolling?
" Two towers " was the response obtained in Sarthe.
This is enough to calm the ardor of those who would have liked to equip their road motorcycle with such rubber. Unless Michelin transforms these ephemeral design slick tires into road tires with the same grooves designed in the same way...
