MotoGP: Pecco Bagnaia and Aleix Espargaró Challenge Michelin Over Tire Performance Discrepancy
December 16, 2024 – In a recent display of transparency and criticism, MotoGP stars Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and Aleix
Espargaró have put tire supplier Michelin under scrutiny following inconsistent tire performance during the latest race. Both
riders expressed their concerns, questioning why they were significantly slower despite using identical tire
compounds compared to their competitors, particularly Marc Márquez, who seemed to benefit from better
performance.Bagnaia, the 2024 MotoGP World Champion, pointed to the glaring discrepancy in lap times, stating that
while his tire was identical to Márquez’s, he was consistently 3 seconds slower. “If the tires are the same, why the difference
in performance?” Bagnaia asked, stressing that the issue wasn’t just about tire wear but also about the grip and
handling that varied between riders and bikes. “There has to be an explanation for why two riders on the same tire
compound can have such vastly different experiences.”Aleix Espargaró, a seasoned competitor with a sharp eye for tire
dynamics, voiced similar frustrations, emphasizing the inconsistencies he encountered with Michelin’s performance
under race conditions. “We were using the same tire specs, but the grip levels seemed to change unpredictably,”
Espargaró said. “It’s frustrating because the tires are such a crucial part of our performance, and if something is wrong,
it affects everything.”The comments from both riders have drawn attention to potential underlying issues in tire
development, particularly regarding consistency and how tire characteristics vary from one bike to another or from one
rider’s setup to another. Michelin, which has supplied tires to the MotoGP grid since 2016, is now facing pressure to
address the concerns raised by two of the sport’s leading riders.MotoGP’s tire supplier has yet to release an official
statement responding to the riders’ claims. However, with the 2024 season drawing to a close, there is mounting
anticipation over how Michelin plans to respond and whether the tire performance issues will be resolved in
time for the upcoming season.As the sport moves forward, questions about tire consistency and the role of suppliers in
shaping race outcomes are likely to intensify, especially as manufacturers and riders continue to push the limits of
performance at the highest levels. Bagnaia’s and Espargaró’s bold challenge to Michelin may spark a
reevaluation of tire specifications and testing procedures, ensuring that all riders are on a level playing field moving into 2025.