MotoGP, Taramasso: "Termas is a unique circuit with little grip and lots of wear"

Brad Binder won the 2023 Sprint in the last MotoGP Grand Prix in Argentina, while Marco Bezzecchi triumphed on Sunday on a wet track in the same GP. The Termas de Río Hondo circuit - which opened in 2008 and was resurfaced in 2014 - is challenging and unpredictable. Its 4,806-kilometer track is unforgiving, especially since temperatures can soar in this season (the end of summer in Argentina) and track temperatures can exceed 50° C. The sequence of turns and subsequent braking zones, especially at the end of the long 1,078-meter straight, will further intensify the variations in temperature, affecting both the bikes and tires.

The arrival of the MotoGP is a real celebration in Argentina, as it is worldwide. During the year, the small spa town of Termas de Río Hondo has a population of 30,000. However, in 2023, more than 186,000 spectators attended the event, including more than 72,000 for the Grand Prix alone.

Piero Taramasso, Michelin's two-wheel motorsport manager, commented: "This circuit is a unique place during this season, with an asphalt that is quite aggressive for tires but paradoxically offers low grip due to an infrequent use of the facilities. Since it has been two years since we last raced here, riders and teams will have to start from scratch in setting up the bikes, especially considering the significant progress made since our last visit. We relied on our database to determine the most suitable tire allocation, with compounds similar to those used in 2023 for the front. For the rear, we chose a soft tire that closely resembles last year's compound, along with a slightly softer medium option to meet the needs of our partners. Both front and rear tires will be symmetrical, regardless of the imbalance in the number of corners (five left-hand and nine right-hand). The first day of practice will undoubtedly be crucial to the performance during the weekend but, as always, we'll be there to support our partners."

In the event of rain, Michelin will offer its rain-tire range, with symmetrical soft and medium compounds for the front and asymmetrical rear tires with reinforced compounds for the right side.