MotoGP tyre supplier has taken the extraordinary step of banning the soft rear compound ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. The decision follows severe thermal degradation issues experienced by several riders during a frantic and exceptionally high-pace sprint race.
Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia were among the riders most affected by high track temperatures reaching approximately 40°C on the soft compound. The aggressive nature of Motegi's newly relaid asphalt generated intense rear tyre temperatures, prompting immediate safety concerns for Sunday's longer Grand Prix.
Michelin motorsport boss Piero Taramasso explained that the combination of high-grip new asphalt and a sprint pace nine seconds faster than 2025 created extreme energy transfer into the rear tyres. While some riders managed the wear effectively, differences in bike setup and riding styles meant the soft option posed too great a risk for race distance.
Consequently, Michelin has officially withdrawn the soft rear from Sunday's tyre allocation. The hard compound featuring a reinforced casing is now the manufacturer's strongly recommended option for competitors aiming to maintain a competitive and consistent pace throughout the race, while the medium remains available for careful management.
Tyre strategy is rapidly emerging as a decisive variable in the championship fight as the series navigates the demanding Asian leg. Marc Marquez secured victory in the sprint, but navigating Motegi's unique asphalt demands will require tactical precision from all teams on Sunday.
Read Also
Enea Bastianini kehilangan podium di Sprint Race MotoGP Jepang akibat penalti batas lintasan, meski tampil kompetitif dan akui terima keputusan steward.
Michelin larang ban soft di MotoGP Motegi akibat chunking dan blistering. Rekomendasi ban hard jadi tantangan besar bagi Marc Marquez dan Ducati.
Michelin resmi menarik ban belakang kompon lunak di GP Motegi akibat masalah blistering dan chunking parah pada ban pembalap MotoGP saat Sprint.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!