# Motegi Tyre Drama Lessons for MotoGP Teams

> MotoGP teams learn hard tyre strategy after Motegi race.
- Title: Motegi Tyre Drama Lessons for MotoGP Teams · Autosport
- Summary: MotoGP teams learn hard tyre strategy after Motegi race. MotoGP teams adopted medium front and hard rear tyres after Michelin's hard compound performed well…
- Keywords: motogp, motegi, michelin, tyre, hard compound, rear tyre, race strategy, motogp teams, moto gp, motogp japanese gp, sports, cars
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/motogp/news/1600-cetwhy-the-motegi-tyre-drama-delivers-a-lesson-motogp-teams-cannot-ignore/10861853
- Author: Oriol Puigdemont
- Published: 2026-10-04T14:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: motogp, motegi, michelin, tyre, hard compound, rear tyre, race strategy, motogp teams, moto gp, motogp japanese gp, sports, cars
## MotoGP teams test new hard tyre
MotoGP teams tried Michelin's hard rear tyre for the first time during Sunday warm-up at Motegi Japanese Grand Prix.
## Hard tyre confusion at Motegi
Michelin's hard compound had a stiffer carcass but same rubber composition as soft version, causing team confusion.
## Teams avoid hard tyre early
All teams skipped Michelin's hard tyre during Friday practice due to time constraints and preconceptions.
## Sprint race reveals tyre issue
Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia tore soft rear tyres during sprint race, prompting crisis meeting and tyre decisions.
## Hard tyre performs well
Hard rear tyres delivered strong performance on Motegi's new track, with all teams using medium front and hard rear combination.
## Riders admit mistake
Francesco Bagnaia admitted teams missed opportunity to test hard tyre, saying it was important to try every option available.

> It is the riders' fault that we didn't try that tyre. Michelin told us it was a reserve, and normally you avoid using it. But I think from now on it is important to try every option available
## Michelin boss explains error
Michelin's MotoGP boss confirmed teams got hard tyre wrong due to time constraints and track conditions.

> We asked the riders to try the hard tyre in the warm-up. And the choice was clear. The teams didn't want to try it in practice because of the lack of time
## Key takeaway

MotoGP teams adopted medium front and hard rear tyres after Michelin's hard compound performed well on Motegi's new track.