MotoGP spec-tyre supplier Michelin will take wets to the opening round in Qatar this weekend just in case it rains and riders opt to race in the wet under floodlights for the first time.
Series safety chiefs Franco Uncini and Loris Capirossi have stated that don’t think that glare from the floodlights on a wet surface will be a problem and the weather forecast for the weekend looks more like the Isle of Man than the desert, so wets are being sent to Losail for the first time.
“This race will also signal the first time that we have brought wet tyres to Qatar. It is hoped that if it does rain the riders will test conditions using the tyres we have available and see if it is safe to race,” said Michelin’s Piero Taramasso.
“There has never been a wet race at Losail, so if it does rain and the riders agree to race, it could be an amazing spectacle under the lights.”
Following a recent test at the circuit by the Dorna and FIM safety team, it has been agreed that if it rains during practice, the riders should try the conditions. Their opinions will then be considered by the Safety Commission before deciding if it is possible to modify the protocol which currently states that there will be no track use in wet conditions.
If it rains on race-day, then extra practice will be scheduled to determine if the race can proceed or be postponed to the following day – as happened in 2009 when heavy rain fell over the 5,380m circuit just as the race was about to start and it was delayed until the next day – again any decision will be with the full consultation of the Safety Commission.
In addition, Michelin will also take new slicks to Doha including a new profile front and will be using this version in competitive action for the first time at Qatar this coming weekend. The tyre made its debut in prototype form at Valencia during the final race of last season, and now following minor modifications during the winter and pre-season testing the latest evolution of Michelin’s Grand Prix racing tyre will now it will make its racing entrance at Losail.
An updated rear tyre will also be available, again using data gathered from testing and feedback from the 23-strong MotoGP field. Designed to give more traction and drivability it has been tested extensively with impressive results. A change to the rules of the championship will see Michelin bring three versions of front and rear slick tyre to each race. These will be designated as soft, medium and hard and will be identified by the following coloured bands, white, no band and yellow respectively. All rear tyre variants for this event will feature an asymmetric design with a harder right-hand-side designed to combat Losail’s abrasive surface.
“Qatar is a unique event, with its own challenges, and we made a superb start to our return to MotoGP here last year, so we hope we can repeat those performances this time. The track can be very abrasive when the sand is blown on to the asphalt or very slippery when humidity rises, and this makes tyre choice a very important and demanding decision. This is the first time we will have the official choice of three front and rear slicks, so we will have the correct compounds for whatever condition the circuit is in,” added Taramasso.
