Michelin will provide an expanded choice of four rear slicks, specifically developed for MotoGP's race debut in Thailand this weekend. Data from the official Buriram test in February 'led to specific rear tyres being constructed to contend with high temperatures that will be generated'.
Michelin is hoping for another 'clean sweep' of all six tyre compounds being chosen for use in Sunday's Aragon MotoGP race, as occurred last time at Misano and last year at Aragon.
Romain Grosjean has called on Formula 1 bosses to focus on giving drivers better quality tyres in the future as part of the planned changes for the sport, calling it “one of the big problems” at present.
Johann Zarco feels Michelin’s special tyre specification for the Austrian MotoGP is hampering Yamaha’s progress even more than usual with less edge grip for him to exploit.
Fresh from a 400th premier-class victory at Jerez, MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin is turning its focus on new lap records during its home round at Le Mans this weekend.
Marc Marquez says with Michelin bringing four different sets of both the front and rear dry tyres it will be a tough ask to be comfortable and understand the full characteristics of each compound in Argentina.
Marc Marquez has clashed with Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi over the MotoGP tyre ‘freeze’ set to be introduced by Michelin for 2018 with the reigning world champion asking for more “flexibility” from the French tyre manufacturer.
It's not only MotoGP engine design that will be frozen for the 2018 season at the opening round in Qatar next weekend. Michelin will not introduce any new tyre designs once the world championship is underway.
The last two seasons of MotoGP have seen an unprecedented number of race winners and close racing. A record nine riders won a grand prix during the 2016 season, dropping to a still respectable five different winners in 2017.
Michelin director of motorsport Pascal Couasnon says that entering Formula 1 as a tyre supplier would not make sense given the low amount of technology transfer between the track and the road.
Michelin's San Marino MotoGP tyre allocation will include an alternative medium front, designed specifically for the Misano circuit. MotoGP's exclusive supplier usually offers a choice of one soft, medium and hard compound for the front and rear.