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MotoGP, Michelin rejects the accusations: tracks and heat change everything

Taramasso speaks out: "the riders forget that tyres are not the only factor, pressure and temperature affect performance"

MotoGP: Michelin rejects the accusations: tracks and heat change everything

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There is tyre talk, whether good or bad, at every Grand Prix. It can happen that at one track a rider is praising Michelin and then a week later he's left shaking his head, unable to understand what's going on. In what is turning into a crazy championship, the tyres seem to be the needle that continues to tip the balance.

At least as far as the riders are concerned, though Piero Taramasso, manager at Clermont-Ferrand, rejects the claims.

“Some riders have asked me whether I'm sure that certain tyres brought here are the same as those at Assen, yes, I'm sure, but this track is completely different. Here there's very good grip and different temperatures, different conditions alter tyre performance”  he replies.

There are also those who claim that the Michelins have a reduced range of use in terms of working temperature. This would explain the differences from track to track.

At the the front we have compounds with a very wide field of use, like that seen at Austin, Jerez and other tracks, working between 15 and 35° - guarantees Taramasso - Others have a more reduced range, but it is at least 15° and we've improved significantly compared to last year. It depends on track conditions and particularly on the riding style, bike and set-up. The situation is similar at the rear, and with three options we can cover all situations.

The final doubt regards the possibility of 'duff' tyres, but here too Taramasso is ready with a response.

Our quality control is meticulous, we check the tyres at the time of production, then during transportation and we follow the throughout their life cycle - ensures the manager - Sometimes riders forget that the tyre is not the only factor, there are also the track conditions, the inflation pressure, the temperature, many thanks can affect performance. Just a small change in the temperature or the tyre warmer or the inflation pressure can change the behaviour of a tyre”.

Translated by Heather Watson
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