Surface, weather changes prompt extra rear tyre for COTA

Michelin will offer an extra rear tyre option for MotoGP's return to COTA this weekend.

The fourth choice will be in the form of an additional hard compound, alongside the usual selection of soft, medium and hard (all asymmetric compounds with a harder right side).

The increased selection is due to the unknown factors posed by MotoGP's return to Austin for the first time since 2019. These include resurfacing work on parts of what was already a traditionally abrasive surface, plus a likely change of temperature from the usual April date (seasonal average 5-degrees higher).

The front tyre selection will remain at the usual soft, medium and hard, all symmetric.

“Leaving Europe for the first time since the first two rounds in Qatar will be a big change for everyone, but it will be great to get back out in front of the fans in the US and let them see some of the incredible racing that MotoGP produces today," said Piero Taramasso, Michelin Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager,

“COTA has always been quite challenging from a tyre perspective, and not only due to the layout of the track with its elevation changes and mix of corners, but also because the grip levels can be very difficult to judge.

"This will be further complicated this year as we have not raced here at this time of year before, so track temperatures could be quite different to what we know, and we have not raced here since April 2019 and much can change in that time.

"Having said that, I’m sure our tyre allocation will allow the riders to push to the limit as always and help to produce some exciting and close racing."

Adding to the uncertainly, weather forecasts currently predict a significant risk of rain on all three days. If so, riders will have a choice of soft or medium compound wets, the rears being asymmetric like the slicks.