Factory riders testing Michelins today

Another day and another set of bikes out on track at Mugello. For the first time since the second Sepang test the factory contracted MotoGP riders will have an opportunity to test the Michelin tyres that they’ll race in 2016.

While riders are still not allowed to talk about the French product on the record several off the record conversations have taken placed between MCN and the test riders who have been tasked with developing the tyres.

When speaking with engineers about the performance of the tyres one said that at Le Mans the tyres were competitive and while lap times were slower than during the race the conditions were cooler and it was with riders not as accustomed to the bikes as the regular riders. Even so on a long run in testing one rider was able to consistently lap within one second of the race times from the previous day of their relevant factory rider.

The riders who have used the tyres have said that they don’t offer the same level of feel from the front tyre under braking as the Bridgestone. Given that this is the calling card of the Japanese tyres however it’s not a surprise that the Michelin’s cant match this performance. The riders however have said that the edge grip of the Michelin is very impressive so as ever there are elements that are strong with one and weak with the other.