MotoGP, Michelin: "With the new asphalt in Aragon, we'll be starting from scratch."

The MotoGP returns to the MotorLand in Aragon after a year's absence and it's going to be very different. The circuit hasn't changed (with its 5-kilometer, 10 left-hand turns, and 7 right-hand), but its asphalt has. In fact, the track has been completely resurfaced, which means a surprise for both riders and Michelin, since there's no data available for the new surface.

"Controlling wear and heat will be the two main challenges of the weekend," Piero Taramasso, Michelin's head of two-wheel racing, said. "Given the expected conditions, we chose rather hard compounds, since the track temperature could reach 50° C. Two years ago, the race was held on September 18th, with somewhat less complicated weather and on a track we knew very well. Given the new asphalt, the circuit configuration, and the significant constraints this track imposes on both front and rear tires, we're starting from scratch. We know that a new surface generates more wear on the rear tires, but also significant changes in temperatures. However, the specifics will depend on the grain size of the new asphalt. If it is 'open', the surface will be very abrasive. If it's 'closed' (smooth), we'll have to deal with rapid increases in temperature. The first tests will be very important for fine-tuning the bikes, and the riders will have to deal with different combinations, but we'll be there to guide them in their choices. As always, we'll be bring three compounds for the front, and three, instead of the usual two, for the rear."

For the Aragón Grand Prix, Michelin will provide riders with symmetrical soft, medium, and hard compounds for the front. For the rear, riders will be able to choose between a soft tire with a stability-oriented compound, a medium option that uses the same philosophy, and a hard dedicated to high temperatures. The rear tires will be asymmetrical, with a reinforced left shoulder, in order to respond to more cornering on this side.

if it rains, Michelin will offer its rain tires in soft and medium compounds for both front and rear. The rears will be asymmetrical.