There Will be A Special Rear Tire Available at the Thai Grand Prix, Here's Why
Categories: MotoGP
For the Thailand Grand Prix tire supplier Michelin will give MotoGP teams the opportunity to use a special rear tire with a modified carcass that was already used at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Since 2018, MotoGP has a stop in Thailand for the Grand Prix at the Chang International Circuit. Sadly, the races in 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
But, despite this, in the first two years in Buriram it already became clear that the track in the East Asian country is destructive for rear tires.
Michelin’s technicians will have a close look on the rear tire this week – Image provided by Motorsport Images
High temperatures and high speeds result in massive charges and rapid overheating of the rear tire. To avoid major consequences on this year’s race weekend, Michelin will supply a special carcass for the rear tires.
The modification, which was already used at the Austrian Grand Prix, was designed to prevent the rear tire from overheating. Michelin manager Piero Taramasso explains:
“This is our fourth time in Buriram, including testing, so we have accumulated good informatioen on what is needed for our tires.”
Piero Taramasso – Image provided by Motorsport Images
Since Buriram is known to be a very demanding track for tires and after a two year absence, Taramasso acknowledges a bit of uncertainty about the grip and track conditions in Thailand.
“It will be interesting to see if the level of grip has changed. All MotoGP teams including us will undoubtedly look forward to the first free practice session of the weekend.”
To counteract the high stresses on the rear tire when looking at the overheating issues, the Michelin Motorsport manager sparks hope for the MotoGP teams:
“For this reason, we have planned an assignment with a special carcass construction, which we also used in Austria. We will be doing our best to help put on a great show.”
