Michelin Braces for Aragon’s New Challenges as Bagnaia Seeks Redemption in MotoGP’s Grand Return

Michelin states that Aragon presents a unique challenge due to its recently laid asphalt, which has not yet been traversed. | Bagnaia aims for a comeback!

Not featured in the previous year's MotoGP schedule, the Aragon track has undergone repaving in preparation for its grand prix comeback next weekend in 2024.

Since its introduction to the MotoGP schedule in 2010, the Spanish circuit has been the venue for 14 top-tier races, counting the additional Teruel event in 2020, up until its brief hiatus last year.

Without any data from tests on the new surface, Michelin plans to introduce a broader selection of three rear tyre options, instead of the usual two, in addition to the standard three front tyres.

"Piero Taramasso from Michelin mentioned that Aragon presents a different type of challenge due to its fresh asphalt, which they have yet to experience riding on."

"Thus, given it's a fresh asphalt lacking a trial, we have the permission to add further specifications."

"Therefore, there will be three front tires featuring symmetrical compounds. Meanwhile, the three rear tires will possess asymmetrical designs, incorporating a more durable compound on their left side."

"Let's check back at the month's conclusion to see the status of Aragon."

Honda leads as the top MotoGP producer at Aragon, boasting 7 victories, achieved by Casey Stoner (1), Dani Pedrosa (1), and Marc Marquez (5).

Since Marquez's last victory in 2019, winners have emerged from different teams, including Suzuki (Alex Rins), Yamaha (Franco Morbidelli), and Ducati with both Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini securing wins.

In the 2022 competition, Gresini team's Bastianini narrowly clinched a win against Bagnaia, who was nearing his inaugural MotoGP championship.

Bagnaia is back on the hunt for his third top-tier title, with Bastianini joining him as a teammate in the official Ducati squad.

"Last year, Aragon wasn't one of our race locations, but the year before that witnessed an intense battle between myself and Enea," Bagnaia reflected following his win in Austria the previous Sunday. "He clinched victory in the final lap, so this season, I'm eager for a rematch!"

The track has been redone, which makes me believe the traction will be exceptional. Moreover, the weather conditions are set to drastically change from what we experienced in 2022, given that currently, in Aragon, daytime temperatures are hitting 40 degrees Celsius!

The recent MotoGP in Austria maintained the pattern of setting new records for laps and race times, albeit by a narrower margin compared to previous races.

"Sunday in Austria turned out to be a favorable day for Michelin, given that the racetrack presents a highly challenging environment," Taramasso commented.

"Every component is tested to its utmost capability: The braking system, the motor, fuel usage, and naturally, the tires as well."

"However, we were able to complete the race remarkably quickly. We surpassed the previous race record [set in 2022] by three seconds."

"The lap time remained steady throughout the entire race, showing remarkable consistency."

"Thus, we depart from this circuit having surpassed the three records [pole position, fastest race lap, and overall race duration]."

Michelin has implemented a unique construction technique to manage the increased strain experienced by rear tyres in Austria, but plans to return to the standard construction for the Aragon event.

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