Another new surface for Michelin's 400th win

MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin will face its third 'new' track surface in as many events, during the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez this weekend.

But this time, unlike on the modified Argentina and American asphalt, Michelin at least has information to work from due to private testing conducted by some teams at the track.

Michelin has selected soft, medium and hard slicks featuring symmetric compounds on the front but a harder right-hand side on the rears for this weekend.

"After three very demanding fly-away races and the three pre-season tests, it’s good to be heading back to Europe, but the task ahead is no less difficult," said Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager.

"We are going to another track that has been resurfaced, so we have no real data as to how it will perform during a race weekend, but we have been able to gather information from tests that have been conducted there, so we are able to bring a range of tyres which we believe will be ideally suited to the new surface and give all riders the best opportunity to make the optimum choice to suit their style and bikes."

Michelin will celebrate its 400th premier-class win on Sunday. 39 of those victories were guaranteed, as exclusive tyre supplier since the start of 2016, while the rest came during open tyre competition from 1973 onwards.

"Jerez is always a great event and this year will have added significance, as it will see the 400th victory for Michelin in Grands Prix, this is a fantastic achievement and we are determined to put on a good show, so that this can be commemorated in style," Taramasso added.