The Key to Winning in MotoGP: Mastering Tyre Management…

The Key to Winning in MotoGP: Mastering Tyre Management…

In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, where every millisecond counts, the pursuit of victory has evolved beyond just raw speed and engine power. While riders like Pecco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Marc Marquez, and Jorge Martin are often lauded for their skill on track, one of the most crucial factors in determining success is something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: tyre management.

Historically, success in MotoGP was often attributed to superior machines, the best riders, or advancements in technology such as aerodynamics and engine tuning. Today, however, the game has changed. The major technological innovations in MotoGP now often revolve around tyre analysis and understanding the intricacies of Michelin’s spec tyres. This shift has come as a result of changes in the competition rules, which now see every team using the same set of tyres but relying on their own understanding to extract maximum performance from them.

One team that has excelled in tyre analysis is Ducati. Known for its high-tech solutions borrowed from Formula 1, Ducati has a less-discussed yet critical advantage in the form of in-depth tyre data analysis. It’s not just about picking the right tyres for each race but understanding how to extract every last bit of grip and performance from them. Ducati’s approach to tyre management has set them apart in recent years and played a key role in their MotoGP dominance.

The heart of Ducati’s tyre strategy is a sophisticated system that processes vast amounts of data collected during each session. Engineers use advanced software, powered by artificial intelligence, to sift through this data and determine the most relevant information. The challenge lies in the sheer volume of data; without AI, engineers would be overwhelmed by the noise and unable to extract meaningful insights. Ducati’s engineers then feed this data into simulations and computer models, where it is integrated with their knowledge of the physics of tyres, aerodynamics, and vehicle handling. These models allow them to predict how tyres will perform under different conditions, enabling the team to make informed decisions about which tyres to use and how to optimize their set-up.

This expertise has evolved from F1 technology. Max Bartolini, a key figure in Ducati’s tyre development, was instrumental in bringing these advanced tyre analysis methods from Ferrari’s F1 team to MotoGP. “In the end, the whole game.