MotoGP, Michelin: tyres optimised for Le Mans

Michelin has prepared for its home Grand Prix in the best possible way. Ten days ago, it organised a test at Le Mans to collect useful data after the recent resurfacing of the track. There were only a few riders on track, and the weather didn't exactly behave, but the data collated has allowed the guys in Clermont-Ferrand to make a more informed decision about which tyres to bring for the race.

The riders spoke positively about the work completed at the track and the asphalt now has no potholes and offers better grip, in both wet and dry conditions.

Michelin, as per the regulation, will being tyres in three compounds (soft, medium and hard) for both front and rear. As for the rear tyres and hard front option, these have an asymmetrical construction with a harder right side. There are two rain options: soft and medium

The 2016 tyre with stiffer carcass is not available for the French GP, but may appear at Mugello if the majority of riders are in favour.

“This is a very important weekend for us as the home Grand Prix always has a special meaning, as well as the added expectation - comments Michelin motorcycle manager Piero Taramasso - The French people are very partisan and will certainly be right behind us, so we must perform for them as well as all the Michelin personnel that will be trackside. We had a good test at Le Mans earlier this month to try the new surface and gather as much data as possible about which compounds we will use. This has enabled us to go back to Clermont-Ferrand and prepare a range of tyres that will give optimum performance around this famous circuit. The new asphalt will provide grip in the dry and as we found at the test – because it rained in the morning – it also has very impressive adhesion in the wet, which could prove important as the weather can certainly be changeable at Le Mans.”