In order to avoid any accusations of bias towards a particular team or rider, Michelin’s allocation of tyres to the various MotoGP competitors must be totally transparent.
So just how does the whole process work?
Each rider is authorised to use a maximum of 22 tyres over a GP weekend, but each will receive around 30 slicks in order to give them a choice of various compounds.
Michelin’s team of MotoGP tyre fitters is overseen by Cedric Garde, who recently explained that ahead of each GP event the French manufacturer will prepare numbered batches of tyres.
Each set consists of 45 tyres including options for wet weather, and depending on transport arrangements the sets are put together either at the Clermont-Ferrand factory or upon arrival at the circuit.
Once the tyre sets are ready, they are handed over to MotoGP Technical Director Danny Aldridge, who distributes one set to each rider at random.
In the event that a replacement tyre is required in the event of damage for example, either Aldridge or one of his assistants will select a replacement from a reserve stock.
This ensures Michelin themselves as sole tyre supplier to the series have absolutely no influence over the process.
MotoGP returns in just over a week’s time when the second half of the season gets underway at Brno in the Czech Republic.
We can’t wait!
