Michelin: Termas tyre allocation 'similar to 2019'

After the challenges of the new Mandalika circuit, Michelin takes on Termas de Rio Hondo this weekend, where there have been no MotoGP laps for the last three years.
Michelin, tyres, Argentina, Termas de Rio Hondo
Michelin, tyres, Argentina, Termas de Rio Hondo

That timeframe includes the introduction of the latest generation of (standard) Michelin rear tyre construction, from the start of the Covid-delayed 2020 season.

The need to switch away from that normal casing to a special temperature-resistant construction - last used in 2018 - caused much-publicised problems for the likes of Honda and Suzuki in Mandalika.

So what will be chosen for this weekend?

Michelin's Piero Taramasso said that the Termas tyre allocation will be 'similar' to MotoGP's last visit in 2019, but with 'some later developments in terms of casing design and compounds'.

“The Termas track has always been something of a challenge for us since we returned to MotoGP, with a lot of inclement weather meaning we were never able to get a completely dry weekend to test the performance of our Michelin Power Slick tyres," Taramasso said.

"This year we are taking an allocation similar to the one used in 2019, but the tyres have been updated to include some later developments in terms of casing design and compounds to help resist the arduous track conditions.”

Termas is one of the few remaining circuits where the MotoGP qualifying and race lap records remain from the previous Bridgestone era.

That's partly due to caution following a rear tyre 'delamination' suffered by Scott Redding during free practice for Michelin's inaugural visit to the circuit in 2016.

With no time to test a stiffer tyre construction before the race, due to bad weather, all riders were forced to make a compulsory bike swap during the grand prix.

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