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MotoGP, "First" time for the old Michelin tyre at Mugello

After the vote taken Le Mans, the stiffer front carcass has been reintroduced. Taramasso: "we're pleased with this decision, it's a good indication for development"

MotoGP: "First" time for the old Michelin tyre at Mugello

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The Italian GP is here and it will be a turning point for tyres in MotoGP. At Le Mans, the vast majority of the riders decided (29 votes in favour, 3 against) to return to the ‘old’ front tyre, used at Valencia and during the early winter tests, which features a stiffer carcass than that used in the first races of the season.

It is not a radical change, but certain riders and certain bike may gain a small advantage in the race as a result of this.

Michelin has prepared well for Mugello, with a trio of options developed specifically for the Tuscan asphalt. At the rear, the soft tyre will be symmetrical while the medium and hard are asymmetrical with a harder right side. The medium front is also asymmetrical while the soft and hard compounds have a symmetrical construction.


“Mugello is an amazing event and a very complex circuit to overcome - states Michelin manager Piero Taramasso -We had a good race there in 2016 and set a race duration record, so we will certainly be looking to at least repeat that, if not improve on what we achieved last season and after the results last time out at Le Mans – where we had new lap and race duration records – we are in a determined mood to continue in that mode.

Naturally the manager also talks about the decision to change the front tyre.

"This race will see us changing the construction of the front tyre to a stiffer version from what we have used so far this year. We had a request from several riders to test this tyre again after the decision had been made following the pre-season tests to use the current spec. So we supplied it at the recent Jerez test for a comparison – this stiffer construction tyre was originally used with a lot of success at the final race last season in Valencia and partly in the winter tests along with the current one, so the riders already had knowledge of it. Following this test all riders and teams were consulted by Dorna and a majority decision was taken to introduce this tyre from Mugello and onwards for the rest of the season. We are happy with this decision because it again gives us a clear direction for the year, and again highlights how Michelin is working to give the best solutions for the MotoGP field.”

Translated by Heather Watson
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