Francesco Bagnaia’s drops bombshell on New Michelin Tyres at Misano

 

Francesco Bagnaia, the Ducati rider, has emerged as a standout performer from the recent MotoGP test day at Misano, not only leading the session but also expressing enthusiasm about Michelin’s new tyre technology.Despite spending only about half an hour testing the new tyres, Bagnaia’s feedback has been notably positive.

The new Michelin tyres have generated a mixed reaction among riders, but Bagnaia’s comments suggest a breakthrough in his riding experience. According to Bagnaia, the new tyre addresses a crucial aspect of his riding style, particularly his heavy use of the brakes when entering corners.

He described the tyre as meeting his needs perfectly, offering him a better grip and enhanced performance, which is a significant advantage given his riding technique.

Bagnaia noted that the new tyre’s increased grip allowed him to push the

bike harder without experiencing issues he faced with the previous tyres. He remarked, “I love it, because it was something I was really needing.

” He emphasized the tyre’s performance in cornering, stating that although it was initially challenging to adapt to the new tyre’s characteristics, he soon found its advantages outweigh any initial difficulties.

The Ducati rider explained that the new tyres provided him with more margin for braking, a crucial factor for his riding style. He shared an example from the test where he pushed the bike to its limits in turns 2 and 4, corners known for their difficulty.

“In those two corners, I forced a lot on the bike to have a lock or lose it, and it didn’t have,” he noted. This ability to push the bike without fear of crashing was a significant improvement, marking the tyre as “the biggest step” he has experienced in recent years.

Bagnaia’s positive feedback highlights the potential of the new Michelin tyres to enhance performance for riders who rely heavily on braking and cornering. While the tyre’s reception remains varied among the MotoGP field, Bagnaia’s endorsement suggests that it could be a valuable asset in improving both safety and performance on the track.

As the MotoGP season progresses, it will be interesting to see how other riders adapt to the new tyres and whether Bagnaia’s optimism will be echoed by his peers. For now, Bagnaia’s experience at Misano sets a promising precedent for the future of tyre technology in MotoGP.