MotoGP | GP Jerez: Taramasso (Michelin), “Another big step forward was made this weekend”

MotoGP GP Spain Michelin Race – The Spanish Grand Prix saw Marc Marquez climb to the top step of the podium, a podium where Johann Zarco and our Andrea Iannone also climbed.

For Michelin, the sole supplier of tires for the premier class, it was the 400th victory in the Grand Prix. To begin the celebrations of the 400th victory, a surprise "guest" welcomed the podium riders to parc fermé and winner Marc Marquez was given a specially embroidered Michelin cap. The “Bibendum” (the famous Michelin Man) appeared from behind the scenes of the MotoGP for the first time, to greet the three riders and then join in the celebrations.

The race was characterized by high temperatures which together with the new asphalt led to many tire changes on the starting grid, as the Michelin drivers and technicians tried to evaluate the best selection. From the six different compounds available, five were used in different combinations, with only the soft rear not used.

“This weekend another big step forward was made for Michelin, the Jerez circuit has always been a track that loses grip with the increase in temperatures and what's more it had been resurfaced, but we brought a range of tires that we knew could make it, and so it was. We saw a good race and once again the majority of the compounds we supplied were used, with the top three drivers all on different variants and four different manufacturers finishing in the top four positions – he said Piero Taramasso Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager – Yesterday was also a very important step, as we broke another absolute record, this justifies that the race tires are also functioning as qualifying tires and offers the drivers the optimal choice. I would also like to congratulate the entire team and all our predecessors for reaching this incredible milestone of 400 Grand Prix victories in the Top Class. It is an incredible feat and I am very proud to be part of it and honored that Michelin has achieved this.”

Photos: Alex Farinelli