Michelin and MotoGP Riders Clash Over Tyre Pressure Rules
Kosport Magazine – 05/15/2024
MotoGP has always been a sport that pushes the limits, both on and off the track. And the latest controversy surrounding tyre pressure rules is no exception.
Last year, Michelin and MotoGP officials implemented minimum front and rear tyre pressures in the name of rider safety. However, this move was met with criticism from riders who felt that the minimum pressure of 1.88 bar for the front tyre was too low and offered little margin for error.
In response to these concerns, Michelin agreed to lower the minimum front tyre pressure to 1.8 bar for the 2024 season. But at the recent Spanish Grand Prix sprint, five riders were penalized for running below the minimum pressure for more than 30% of the race.
This penalty had a major impact on the race, most notably for Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo who was demoted from third to fifth place. The chaotic race saw 15 riders crash, with many attributing the falls to damp patches on the track.
One rider who has been vocal about the tyre pressure rules is Miguel Oliveira. After the Spanish GP, he stated, “Today was much… I don’t want to say much, but the track was relatively normal and that made our lives a little bit easier.”
Oliveira believes that the tyre pressure rules should only apply when the track is fully dry, as it is not the small difference of 0.05 bar that determines a rider’s performance. However, the current rules state that the pressure rule does not apply in fully wet races or flag-to-flag conditions.
At Jerez, all five riders who were penalized received eight-second penalties, but this was later changed to time penalties of 8 seconds in the sprint and 16 seconds in the race. This change was made on the eve of the 2024 season.
The clash between Michelin and MotoGP riders over tyre pressure rules has sparked a heated debate within the sport. Some argue that safety should always be the top priority, while others believe that the rules are too restrictive and hinder the riders’ abilities.
One thing is for sure, this controversy will continue to be a hot topic in the MotoGP world. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the tyre pressure rules affect the races and the riders’ performances.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
The clash between Michelin and MotoGP riders over tyre pressure rules has brought to light the ongoing struggle between safety and pushing the limits in the sport. While it is important to prioritize rider safety, it is also crucial to allow the riders to showcase their skills and abilities on the track.
The recent changes to the penalty system show that both parties are willing to compromise, but it remains to be seen if this will satisfy the riders and teams. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how the tyre pressure rules play out and if any further changes will be made. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for all the latest updates on this controversial topic.
