The resurfacing of Motegi’s track for this weekend’s Japanese MotoGP has led Michelin to adjust its tire options, including the reintroduction of the reinforced rear construction that caused difficulties for Ducati in Austria. Since there is no testing data for the new asphalt, Michelin has increased the available tire choices to three types for both the front and rear, based on simulations and insights from previous races at Motegi.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s Motorsport Two-Wheel Competition Manager, detailed that the front tires — Soft, Medium, and Hard — maintain the same stiffness levels as last year and all use symmetrical compounds. However, the Hard front tire features a reinforced construction designed for certain Asian circuits and will also be used at Mandalika. For the rear, Michelin selected a stiffer build than in 2025 to compensate for uncertainties with the fresh surface. While the Soft and Medium rears employ the standard casing, the Hard rear is equipped with the reinforced casing previously introduced in Austria.
Motegi has favored Ducati historically, with the manufacturer winning the last seven races and Pecco Bagnaia sweeping both the Sprint and GP in 2025. Last year, riders mostly opted for the medium front tire paired with a soft rear in the Sprint and a medium rear for the main race. If the hard rear tire becomes the preferred option on this new asphalt, it could pose a challenge for Ducati riders — including title contender Marc Marquez — considering the grip problems Ducati experienced with that tire in Austria.
Marquez, who finished second in the Austrian Sprint and fifth in the grand prix despite brake problems, acknowledged ongoing struggles with rear grip for Ducati but noted the competition faces the same tire restrictions. He highlighted the need to improve performance on the stiffer rear tire, especially with upcoming races like Mandalika, where an even tougher casing will be used.
The forecast for the Japanese GP includes cooler temperatures, which may reduce the demand for the hard rear tire and potentially benefit Ducati and Marquez, who secured last year’s championship at Motegi with consistent podium finishes. Michelin’s Taramasso emphasized the importance of quickly adapting from the start of the weekend and monitoring how the new surface evolves, especially with possible rain.
Following Motegi, the riders will head to Mandalika, where the most extreme reinforced tire casing is used — a track where most Ducatis faced difficulties last season except for GP winner Fermin Aldeguer.
Fan Take: This tire update is crucial for MotoGP fans as it introduces a fresh element of unpredictability, potentially shaking up Ducati’s recent dominance. How teams adapt to Motegi’s revamped surface and varying tire stiffness could redefine strategies and championship momentum moving forward.
Source: www.crash.net
