MotoGP Valencia: Michelin is preparing to say “goodbye” to Valentino Rossi…

Valencia is back for the 2021 season finale

Valencia traditionally closes the Grand Prix season, and after a modification of the calendar last year for the benefit of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve due to Covid-19, Valencia regains its place this year for the final of the MotoGP World Championship^™ with the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana.

After the Portimáo race last weekend, the MotoGP riders will cross the Spanish border to join the narrow and very special Ricardo Tormo Circuit. It is the only circuit entirely confined in a sort of stadium, surrounded by stands offering a superb overall view. This year, unlike the previous edition which took place behind closed doors, some 75 spectators will be admitted to the race and the Valencia Grand Prix will return to its usual festive atmosphere.

This narrow and winding circuit, 4,005 km long, counter-clockwise with nine left and five right turns plus an 876 meter straight, requires an allocation of asymmetrical MICHELIN Power Slicks tyres.

The weather is generally good in Valencia, but with the race scheduled for November, temperatures are starting to drop. The average ranges from 18°C ​​during the day to 8°C or even lower at night. The track can therefore be very cold during morning sessions. And it often rains in Valencia at this time of year.

Due to the low morning temperatures, the MICHELIN Power Slicks in Soft, Medium and Hard front and rear were selected to perform under these temperatures and for this very particular circuit configuration. The rubber on the left side is harder due to the greater number of turns in that direction and to support greater forces on that side each lap. The rubber on the right side allows for rapid acceleration and gives plenty of grip in right-hand corners.

Valencia has experienced sometimes gloomy weather during these last editions. The MICHELIN Power Rain are designed to offer riders maximum grip in the wet. They are offered in symmetrical Soft and Medium for the front, and in asymmetrical Soft and Medium for the rear with a harder left side like the slicks.

About this last race of the season, Piero Taramasso, Two-Wheel Manager at Michelin Motorsport, said: “After a disrupted schedule last year due to Covid-19, the entire Michelin team is very happy to return to Valencia for the traditional season finale. And then what a relief to see that the stands will be full on Sunday, in particular to celebrate the last appearance of Valentino Rossi as it should be after such a long and successful career at the top level. »

“The very particular layout of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, the cool temperatures in the mornings and the potential rain will put the tires and drivers to the test, but I am confident because the allocation we have chosen for this weekend will make it possible to meet all these challenges and to offer a great show to the fans, even if the title is already awarded from Misano. »

The drivers will take to the track on Friday November 12 for the first two Free Practice sessions. Two others are on the program for Saturday before Qualifications 1 and 2 which will decide the starting grid for this 27-lap long race. The Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana will start on Sunday November 14 at 14:00 p.m.