MotoGP | Thailand GP: Taramasso (Michelin), “Very severe track for the rear tyres”

MotoGP 2022 GP Thailand Buriram Michelin – Having archived the Motegi race, the MotoGP heads to Buriram, where the Thai Grand Prix, the 17th stage of the 2022 MotoGP, is scheduled for Sunday at the Chang International Circuit.

The race precedes the Australian and Malaysian GPs and this makes for a very busy period in terms of logistics and Michelin has already sent its tire allocations for these races using a mix of sea and air transport.

For these long-haul races, or “runaway races” as they are called, Michelin tires travel in temperature-controlled containers, to ensure they arrive at the circuits in tip-top condition, ready for the weekend's on-track action.

The 4.554m Buriram Circuit has a fairly even split in terms of corners, with five on the left and seven on the right. Along with two main straights, the longest of which is 1km, the 100.000-capacity venue's modern facilities offer fantastic viewing opportunities for fans.

The high temperatures and high-speed layout require a special rear tire casing to manage potential heat build-up, so a different construction is used to that used at other circuits during the season, with the exception of the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

These two tracks share similar configurations and use this specific construction to control the temperatures generated and give riders the stability and safety they need.

Riders will have asymmetric rear soft and medium compounds available, with a harder right side, while the hard rear will be symmetrical. At the front, all three compounds will be symmetrical and have been selected on the basis of data collected during previous races and tests on the Thai circuit.

In case of rain the rain tires will be with medium and soft compounds both at the front and all symmetrical, except for the rear soft compound which will be asymmetrical, with a harder right side.

Statements Piero Taramasso, Two Wheel Manager, Michelin Motorsport GP Thailand Buriram

“This is our fourth time coming to Buriram, including a test, so we have gathered good data on what is required from our tire allocation. However, given he hasn't raced there since 2019, it will be interesting to see if the grip levels of the asphalt have changed at all. As a result, my team, and all the MotoGP teams, will no doubt be looking forward to the first free practice sessions of the weekend. As has been said many times in the past, this is a very harsh track for the rear tyres, as it generates a lot of heat in the tyre. For this reason we have equipment featuring a special structure, which we also use in Austria. As for the fans they have been very passionate since MotoGP arrived here in 2018. I'm sure it will be the same this year too, especially after the break, and we will do our best to help put on a great show and make this a memorable weekend.”