MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Piero Taramasso of Michelin clarified that the decision to shorten the 2026 Brazilian MotoGP race distance in Goiania was not related to tyre performance, but due to critical track surface damage moments before the start.
The race distance was reduced from 31 to 23 laps just minutes before the sighting lap, officially citing “track degradation”. The lack of detailed initial explanation led to speculation that tyre wear may have influenced the decision, particularly as the Moto2 race had been completed at full distance without similar issues.
However, Piero Taramasso confirmed that the call was made solely by IRTA and Dorna Sports, following the discovery of significant asphalt damage in a key section of the circuit.
“The decision was taken just before the start by Dorna and IRTA because Turns 11 and 12 were damaged. The asphalt was coming off, so they reduced the race from 31 to 23 laps,” Taramasso stated.
The issue was later corroborated by multiple MotoGP riders, who reported loose stones and surface break-up in that sector, raising safety concerns particularly during acceleration and directional changes.
From a technical standpoint, tyre usage remained consistent across the grid. Fifteen riders selected the hard front and medium rear combination, while seven opted for a soft rear. This distribution indicated that tyre degradation was not a limiting factor requiring strategic changes.
“Overall, the performance was good. The balance was better, lap times were fast and very consistent until the end of the race,” Taramasso added.
Performance data further supported this assessment. Several riders recorded their fastest laps in the closing stages, including Marc Marquez on lap 23 and Fabio Di Giannantonio on lap 22, demonstrating that tyre endurance remained stable under demanding conditions.
The shortened race followed a disrupted weekend at Goiania, including a delayed Sprint race due to a sinkhole discovered on the main straight. The circuit, hosting its first MotoGP event since 1989, faced significant scrutiny over infrastructure integrity rather than technical performance variables.
As the sole tyre supplier, Michelin considered the event a positive validation of its compounds under extreme conditions, with consistent lap times reinforcing tyre reliability despite the compromised track surface.
“For the first time here, in very difficult conditions on a demanding track, this was a positive test for us,” Taramasso concluded.
With the Brazilian round concluded under exceptional circumstances, the championship now moves to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where standard tyre allocation will return, while the condition of the Goiania circuit is expected to be closely reviewed ahead of any future MotoGP events.
Baca Juga
Fabio Di Giannantonio akui meremehkan crash di Warm Up MotoGP Brasil 2026, tetap raih podium dan jadi Ducati terbaik di klasemen.
Piero Taramasso jelaskan pengurangan lap MotoGP Brasil 2026 bukan karena ban, melainkan kerusakan aspal di Tikungan 11 dan 12.
Marco Bezzecchi menangi MotoGP Brasil 2026 yang dipersingkat akibat masalah lintasan, pimpin dominasi Aprilia dan ambil alih klasemen.
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