**”New Asphalt, New Challenges: Michelin Prepares for Aragon Showdown as Bagnaia Seeks Redemption”**

Michelin: Aragon Presents a New Challenge, Bagnaia Seeks Retribution

"Aragon will pose a different challenge due to its fresh asphalt, as we haven't yet raced on it."

After being omitted from the MotoGP schedule last year, the Aragon circuit has been newly resurfaced in preparation for its return at next weekend’s 2024 grand prix.

The Spanish circuit was added to the MotoGP schedule in 2010. Up until the second 2020 Teruel race, it had held 14 top-tier events before being temporarily removed last year.

Due to the lack of testing information for the new track surface, Michelin plans to offer a broader selection of three rear tire options instead of the usual two, in addition to the standard three front tire choices.

"Aragon will present a different type of test as the track has fresh asphalt and we have yet to race on it," stated Piero Taramasso from Michelin.

"Since the asphalt is new and hasn't been tested, we are permitted to introduce additional specifications."

"We will use three front tires made of uniform compounds, while the three rear tires will have an asymmetric design, featuring a tougher compound on the left side."

"Let's wait until the end of the month to see the situation in Aragon."

Honda holds the record for the most MotoGP victories at Aragon, boasting a total of seven wins. These triumphs were achieved by Casey Stoner (1 win), Dani Pedrosa (1 win), and Marc Marquez (5 wins).

Since Marquez's last triumph in 2019, wins have been distributed among Suzuki's Alex Rins, Yamaha's Franco Morbidelli, and Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini.

In the 2022 race, Gresini's Bastianini narrowly defeated Bagnaia, who was pursuing his initial MotoGP championship.

Bagnaia is back aiming for his third top-tier title, alongside Bastianini as his teammate in the factory Ducati team.

"After winning in Austria last Sunday, Bagnaia reflected on the previous race in Aragon. 'We didn't compete there last year, but two years ago, Enea and I had an intense battle,' he recounted. 'He ended up winning on the final lap, so I'm looking forward to getting my revenge this season!'"

"The track has been repaved, which should significantly improve the traction. However, the weather conditions are expected to be vastly different from 2022, as current daytime temperatures in Aragon are around 40 degrees Celsius!"

The Austrian MotoGP held last weekend kept up the pattern of setting new lap and race records, though the differences were less pronounced compared to previous races.

Taramasso mentioned that Sunday in Austria was beneficial for Michelin due to the highly challenging nature of the track.

"Every component is pushed to its maximum capacity: the brakes, the engine, fuel efficiency, and naturally, the tires."

"We succeeded in running a very quick race, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by three seconds."

"The lap times were consistently strong throughout the entire race."

"We depart from this circuit having broken three records: fastest pole position, quickest race lap, and best overall race time."

Michelin employs a unique design to handle the increased pressure on the rear tires in Austria, but will switch back to the standard design for Aragon.

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