MotoGP Valencia Michelin: Gourbert, “It was an exciting race”

Valencian Community GP Valencia MotoGP Michelin Race – Last race of the season, which awarded the title of MotoGP champion to Marc Marquez, heart-pounding. Truly everything happened during the GP, from almost falls saved at the last minute to others, unfortunately, with less fortunate outcomes.

Despite everything, one of the stages that should have represented a major challenge for Michelin went reasonably well. All the tires supplied by the manufacturer withstood the distance of the race, just look at the choices of the three drivers on the podium. The winner, Dani Pedrosa, opted for a Hard front compound and a medium rear, the second place, Johann Zarco, took to the track with both Soft tyres, while on the lowest step of the podium, Marc Marquez, used a Hard at the rear and a Soft at the front.

The Valencian stage not only represents the end of the 2017 season, but also the end of the collaboration of Nicolas Goubert, who after 28 years leaves Clermont-Ferrand in the direction of FIM Moto-e World Cup (electric motorcycles) where he will have the role of executive director. Piero Taramasso is expected to replace him.

These words Nicolas Goubert, Technical Director and MotoGP Program Manager: “We saw another demonstration of what we have been trying to accomplish. We have given as wide a choice as possible to all drivers and manufacturers at each race to enable them to be able to choose their tyres. This was highlighted in this race by the fact that the first four used different configurations, five of the 6 made available. It was once again an exciting and engaging race and we congratulate Marc on his championship and all the other riders on such an enjoyable season.”

“I also want to send my thanks to everyone at Michelin and all the riders and teams I worked with during my time in MotoGP, it has been a fantastic journey and I have enjoyed my 28 years at Michelin. I've been involved in a lot of great things within the company. I leave the MotoGP project in safe hands with Piero and the rest of the team and I'm sure it will continue to go strong."

Photos: Alex Farinelli