The shocking state of Francesco Bagnaia's rear tyre sent shockwaves through the paddock after a dramatic Sprint race at Motegi. The Ducati rider was forced to retire early after his tyre suffered catastrophic damage, leaving a massive crater in the center from extreme overheating.
However, the Italian was not alone in this tyre nightmare. Championship leader Jorge Martin also barely made it to the checkered flag as his rear rubber completely disintegrated during the closing laps, causing violent vibrations.
Paddock insiders point the finger at the excessive grip generated by Motegi's newly laid asphalt combined with high track temperatures. The aggressive surface pushed the tyres way beyond their expected operating limits during the frantic short-distance race.
This critical issue leaves Michelin and the teams with plenty of homework ahead of Sunday's full-distance Grand Prix. With twice the race distance on the cards, tyre preservation strategy will undoubtedly dictate who survives to fight for victory.
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