Michelin ‘starting from scratch’ at resurfaced Aragon
"The specific characteristics will depend on the grain sizꦉe of the new surface"
A constant fixture on the MotoGP calendar from 2010-2022, MotorLand🌼 Aragon returns to the calendar after a one-year hia👍tus this weekend.
But the 5.077km circuit has💃 undergone a complete resurfacing since MotoGP’s l𝔍ast visit.
With no testing data, it’s a step into the unk⛦nown for teams and tyre supplier Michelin, which will bring an additional third rear option✱ in response to the uncertainties.
“Controlling wear and heat will be the two main challenges of the weekend,” said Piero Taꦰramasso, Mic🗹helin’s two-wheel competition manager.
“Given the expܫected conditions, we have chosen fairly hard rubber compounds from our new ranges, as track temperature here could reach 50°C.
“Two years ago the race took place on 18 September, with s🐼lightly less complಞex weather, and also on a track whose surface we knew very well.
“Given the🌊 new asphalt, the configuration of the circuit and the significant constraints that this track e♋xerts, both for the front and rear tyres, we are now starting from scratch with new rubber.
“We know that a new s🐎urface generates more wear on the rear tyres, but also significant thermal variations. However, the specific characteristics will depജend on the grain size of the new surface.
“If it is ‘open’ the ground will be very abrasive, and if it is closed (smooth), we will have to deal with ♕rapid temperature increases.
“The first [pr𝓰actices] will be very important for the set-up of the bikes, and the riders will have to deal with multiple combinations, but we will be there to guide them in their choices.
“As always, we wil🎉l bring three compounds for the front, but three, instead of the usual two, for the rear.”
The f🥂ront tyres will feature a choice of symmetrical Soft, Medium and Hard rubber compounds.
For the rear, riders will be able to choose between a Soft with a rubber compound oriented towards firmness, ✱a Medium using the same philosophy, and a Hard dedicated to high temperatures.
The rear tyres will be asymmetric, with the left shoulder reinforced꧃, to respond to the greater number of turns on this side.
Peter has been in the൲ paddock🐟 for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
