From Autosport · Richard Asher · · 1m 30s
Michelin Bans Soft Tyre for MotoGP Japanese GP
Michelin bans soft compound after sprint race issues at Motegi.
In brief
Michelin bans soft compound after sprint race issues at Motegi. Michelin banned soft rear tyres for MotoGP Japanese GP after sprint race problems, recommending hard compound for Sunday's race. Originally reported by Autosport.
Tyre issues at Motegi sprint
MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin banned soft compound for tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix after sprint race problems.
Jorge Martin and Bagnaia affected
Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia experienced rear tyre damage due to high temperatures on the soft compound.
Michelin's explanation
Michelin's motorsport boss Piero Taramasso said Motegi's new high-grip asphalt and 40C temperatures caused high rear-tyre temperatures.
Hard compound recommended
Michelin recommended hard rear compound for Sunday's race, featuring reinforced casing to maintain pace.
Warm-up session extended
MotoGP doubled Sunday morning warm-up session to 20 minutes for teams to test hard rear tyres.
Marc Marquez's performance
Marc Marquez won sprint race but his rear tyre was destroyed, nearly costing him the race.
Bagnaia's tyre condition
Francesco Bagnaia's rear tyre was completely split through the centre, making it impossible to ride safely.
Bezzecchi's decision
Marco Bezzecchi chose medium compound for sprint, predicting hard compound will be needed for Sunday's race.
Team reactions
Yamaha and other teams suggested extending warm-up session to test hard tyres after Sunday's race.
What happens next
Michelin banned soft compound for Sunday's race, with hard compound recommended to ensure safety and performance.
The takeaway
Michelin banned soft rear tyres for MotoGP Japanese GP after sprint race problems, recommending hard compound for Sunday's race.
