The Misano tests were also important for Michelin, which brought a new front tyre that could be introduced as early as 2025. It is a tyre that is completely different from the current one, in terms of profile, construction and is also lighter, 900 grams less. The riders tested it in a dedicated half-hour session.
Despite the short time available, the time references were interesting. Jorge Martin, the fastest, lapped in 1’31”226, Bagnaia was just one hundredth slower. Pecco was the most enthusiastic about the new tire: “Valentino’s words came to mind when he talks to me about the Bridgestone front. I tried to put the new Michelin in trouble, in the two slowest corners of the track, where a slide would not have been dangerous. I forced the brakes on the entrance, but I wasn’t able to put it in trouble”.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin manager, was very satisfied with the test: “All the riders tried the new generation of the front tyre – he explained – It has new designs, construction and profile. The aim is to provide better grip and more information to the rider. Furthermore, this tyre is less sensitive to pressure and temperature variations and is lighter”.
The first test went well.
“Most of the riders liked it,” Taramasso said. “Of course it took them a few laps because the sensations are different, but then they were able to push and they told us that it has good grip and stability, especially in the fast corners.”
Now we need to perfect it.
“The base is good, of course not perfect yet, so we will make adjustments so that the tyre can work best for all riders and on all bikes. However, I am very satisfied because, as I said, the base is good and already works on all bikes without major changes to the setup” concluded the Michelin manager.
