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Despite the vast amount of data accumulated during the winter tests, Michelin is approaching the first GP of the season with a few more doubts than expected. Beyond the unknown factors represented by racing in the dark, another variable could play an important role as explained on the eve by manager Piero Taramasso.
“Having raced in Qatar at the end of 2023 and having done the pre-season a couple of weeks ago should help us because of the many indications – was his reflection reported by Motorsport.com - As regards our 2024 range, the compounds they have maintained the same centring, while the technology has changed a bit with the aim of offering more consistency. Some riders said they felt more grip, so it would seem that we were going in the right direction in terms of performance and feeling."
A particular solution will be adopted on the Lusail track: “We will have three symmetrical tyres, the soft, the medium and the hard. The medium is the one that seems most suitable, because it is the one that worked best during the tests, but also during the weekend last November. They will probably use that for both the Sprint and the long race. Behind, however, there will be the soft, asymmetrical and with the right shoulder a little harder, and the medium, symmetrical. The latter is the one that was used in both GPs last year. The riders preferred it for its good grip and consistent performance."
The question marks about the actual choice by the teams remain. “They'll need to understand if they can use the soft compound on Saturday, but that will be decided at the last moment based on the conditions. Last championship there was a lot of degradation, but this is a track that evolves very quickly and every time we go it's always a bit of a surprise. The amount of sand present can change, furthermore you start working in the heat and end up with lower temperatures."
Last weekend’s presence of the WEC which altered the grip levels has created an additional obstacle. “I fear that now the conditions may have worsened, given the large number of cars, the numerous laps and the different tyres - he confessed not without concern - It's a state that could last for the whole weekend, even if Friday will certainly be the toughest day. If the wind has also brought some sand, the grip will be less and there will also be some graining on the front tyre, something quite typical here. Having said that, the feedback we received from the endurance drivers who fitted our tyres was positive, also in terms of lap times. Some cars were able to do three stints in a row with the same set, completing more than 100 laps.”
One topic that has caused a lot of discussion in recent months is that of the tyre pressure which, after consultation with the teams, was lowered from 1.88 to 1.80 bar at the front. “This way you won't reach 2.2-2.3 bar in the event of overheating and it will be easier to respect the value. However, it should be remembered that not everywhere it is good to ride with too low pressure, for example in Qatar this option does not bring advantages, unlike Buriram, Sepang and Mandalika where it is very hot. Like all adjustments, however, it's always a matter of finding a compromise."
It's impossible not to end with a prediction of what the first round of the MotoGP World Championship will bring. “I expect world champion Bagnaia to be in good shape, but also Martin, Bastianini, who seems to have found himself again, and Marc Marquez. I also saw that Yamaha and Honda were eager to start again, so I think there will be a good battle. In my opinion there will be about ten protagonists fighting for the podium."
