This year, in MotoGP, the technical cards have been redistributed. A new electronic control unit with a single purpose and badged Magneti-Marelli and Michelin tires on the return instead of the Bridgestones gave the drivers and engineers a hard time. But Valentino Rossi assures: at this pronounced mid-season, the machines have returned to their level of last year. At least that's the case at Yamaha.
Before the 2015 campaign ended, tests were carried out with the new tires from the new sole manufacturer of the MotoGP category: Michelin. The Auvergnats were preparing to take over from Bridgestone at the start and the first laps of the wheels resulted in some painful discoveries. There was no shortage of falls, and getting used to a front tire different from the previous Japanese tire took time: “ the three or four tests completed gave us migraines " remember Valentino Rossi on speedweek. " There were falls and we couldn't get the tire to warm up ».
Hence the busy winter work during the off-season at Yamaha: “ This year's M1 is different from last year's. The weight distribution has notably been revised. The fuel tank, for example, is located further behind the pilot. Then over time, the Michelins improved, especially regarding the front tire. Today, we are no longer far from what we did with the Bridgestones. Our motorcycle runs on Michelin tires ».
And with the new electronics? “ There too, the change was profound and there was fear of going back many years. But in fact, rather than a big leap backwards, we have only taken half a step. Now we are not far from what we had in the past. Our bike with this new power plant and the Michelins is no longer far from that of 2015 ».
Still, it's a Honda driven by Marc Marquez who is in control of the championship. There is one second half left for the Doctor, third in the provisional general standings, to regain his 59 points deficit over his Spanish rival HRC.
