Michelin designs new tyres for Buriram

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'.

These compounds will be divided into a soft, two mediums and a hard compound. They will all be asymmetric, with a harder right-hand shoulder to cope with the circuit’s layout of seven right-turns, against five on the left.

“We had the pre-season test at Buriram and got some really valuable information. We have brought specific rears to this race which have been purposely designed for this track - the same as what we do in Austria and Australia, because these are very unusual circuits and require special tyres," explained Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager Piero Taramasso.

"These are completely new and were designed after the test, but before we had to give the allocation for the season, so we have two mediums, as this will allow us to decide which is the compound best suited to the track and assist with next year’s allocation. It will also give all the riders the best options to get the most from their respective bikes."

Michelin will offer the usual choice of three front slicks - soft, medium and hard - all having a symmetric design. However…

"All the plans for dry track time could be wasted though, as it is the monsoon season in Thailand and there is a chance of wet weather," Taramasso said. "We hope this isn’t the case, but if it does we have a range of Michelin Power Rain tyres that should be able to cope with whatever nature sends our way.

"We’re really looking forward to the first visit to Thailand and expect a huge crowd, so we’ll all want to put on a great show for them and Michelin will certainly play a part in that.”