MotoGP factory riders got their very first taste of Michelin’s development rubber for 2016 in Sepang last week, as the French company prepares to take over the reigns as sole tyre supplier to the series next year.
Michelin offered four front slicks, which used different profiles and constructions, as well as three rear slicks. Riders and teams were not allowed to change their bike setup from that used on the current Bridgestone rubber, and their main objective was to get their first impressions. This feedback will then be used by Michelin to get a more precise idea of which is the best front/rear combination to develop in the next few months.
The weather was clear, and the track temperature reached a baking 55°C as the riders put in lap after lap. Some riders decided to complete full race runs, in order to simulate a grand prix. There were a number of high profile crashes, as riders attempted to find the limits of the new Michelin tyres, causing them to overload the front. However, this is all part of the testing process, and will allow Michelin to move forward and develop an improved solution in the coming months.
“Today’s testing was very positive,” reported Nicolas Goubert, technical director and deputy director at Michelin Motorsport. “The riders praised the consistency of the Michelin tyres they tried and confirmed that our development work is heading in the right direction. They unanimously described the grip of the rear tyres as ‘exceptional’. As for the solutions for the front, the riders singled out a wider option which they preferred over a narrow version that would have favoured cornering speed. They also provided us with valuable feedback that will enable us to identify the areas in which we can work during the months ahead.”
The next phase of development will see Michelin engineers testing in Doha on 23rd March. They will be working with Michele Pirro (Ducati), Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda) and Michael Laverty (Aprilia) who will be test riding for the various factories taking part, whilst the factory riders themselves will next meet up with the Michelin team in June at Mugello.
It’s going to be a very busy year for the Michelin team!
