Michelin, the new Official Tire Supplier to MotoGP will have the first race-ready tires in Valencia this November, for the initial test of the 2015 championship. Even though Michelin rubber will start shoeing MotoGP bikes only in 2016, the manufacturer seems determined to get things right from the first take, and avoid as many problems as possible for its 2016 debut.
After a long period of time, Bridgestone announced it will pull out of premier class racing, but after discussions with Dorna Sports, an agreement was reached and it will continue to developed and provide top-drawer tires to MotoGP teams through the end of the 2015 season. This offers Michelin with one and a half years to come up with the right tire compounds and types, including the newly-reintroduced intermediate tire.
The first Michelin test is scheduled for the post-race Monday in Valencia, the official 2015 pre-season kick-off outing. Race Director Mike Webb says that this plan still has to deal with a tricky problem of exclusive contracts between the teams and Bridgestone, deals which technically prevent certain teams and riders to shoe their bikes with Michelin tires as long as the Japanese manufacturer is in a relationship with the MotoGP.
