Unfortunately, 2018 was the last season we saw the Mistral 610 in competition. The Tech3 team's move to KTM machines for the 2019 season marked the end of a long history of motorcycle development that was largely the brainchild of Tech 3's longtime chief engineer, the " sorcerer » Guy Coulon.
The Mistral 610 was a machine entirely designed and manufactured in France and was competitive throughout its 9 seasons spent in Moto2.
Competing from 2010 to 2019, it will be recalled that the Mistral 610 took victory in the hands of Yuki Takahashi in its first year, with the last of its six podiums coming from Xavi Virginie at Motegi in 2017. In the meantime, Bradley Smith scored the most podiums (three) with this bike, all in 2011, before moving to MotoGP for the same French team. All this is no small feat for a quasi-artisanal project in one of the most competitive categories in motorcycle racing.
This was one of the first images we ever saw of the Mistral 610
This rolling chassis was the first edition of the 2010 bike. It was an immediate success with Yuki Takahashi taking victory in this bike's sixth race.
In 2010, Moto2 was a whole new category. To succeed the 250cc 2-stroke, the new formula of a 600cc four-stroke engine, mixed with a bespoke chassis has seen many different manufacturers arrive in Moto2, with varying success.
Tech3 is a team on a human scale, made up of a very small group of people, but their success was not limited by their number of people.
The Mistral 610 during its first laps, carried out with Florian Marino
The Mistral 610 had one or two components that were a little different from most other machines. For example, they used a KYB suspension which was different from the popular Ohlins choice. The same goes for Nissin brake calipers instead of Brembos.
One challenge Tech 3 had to overcome was the fact that they couldn't collect as much data as big manufacturers like Kalex, Speed Up and Suter. With only two pilots (except in 2011 when they had 3 full-time pilots) they had to rely on feedback from a very small group of people. It also made its first rounds in the hands of Florian Marino.
Testing parts and updates took longer because there were fewer riders to test them, so updating the bike and getting it right was a much longer process for the small Mistral 610 team.
This is one of the reasons why although the results of the Mistral 610 were not overwhelming, the success of the project was phenomenal! The French team had to overcome huge odds against them to be competitive against the biggest manufacturers!
Here is the complete package in its final year of competition in 2018. A superb machine.
The technology on this prototype was as advanced as its competitors. We note the presence of carbon skins on the frame and the swingarm, to improve the feel and rigidity of the chassis. The bike itself was very ergonomic and similar to the Kalex & Speed Up machines.
In summary, the Tech 610 Mistral 3 was a resounding success. This project may not have won a championship or many races, but Guy Coulon, with the help of his team, defied the odds in a category that is extremely good at showing off a motorcycle's weak points.
Chassis: entirely made of elements machined from 5053 aluminum (very, very pretty). The frame closely resembles the architecture of the Yamaha M1.
Swinging arm: made of mechanically welded 5053 aluminum.
Adjustments: caster angle, 3 offset positions, swingarm anchor point height.
Sub-frame: self-supporting carbon fiber.
Fork: Sometimes KYB, Öhlins FG 366.
Shock absorber: Sometimes KYB, Öhlins TTX 36 vertical.
Calipers: Brembo, sometimes Nissin.
Discs: Brembo or Nissin 290×5 mm.
Rims: PVM.
Acquisition: 2D.
Fairing: proprietary design inspired by the M1.
Weight: 146 Kg.
Photos: MotoGP.com & Pit-Lane.biz
