Tyres became a topic of discussion during the 2023 MotoGP season, particularly in the Qatar GP, where Jorge Martín felt disadvantaged due to the significantly lower performance of the products provided by Michelin. He’s calling for improvements in the future.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s director, replied, ensuring that there were no anomalies. Now, the Spanish rider clarified his stance towards Michelin and called for improvements in an interview with Europa Press: ‘I never attacked Michelin in that sense. In Valencia, we had some meetings, and they told me that something wasn’t up to 100%. But well, in the end, they have to protect themselves, and besides, I can’t comment much on this matter. Throughout the season, the whole paddock complained about defects in the tyres. There are millions of euros invested in each brand’s projects. It doesn’t matter how much you spend; if you have a tyre that doesn’t work, the project doesn’t work. They need to improve the quality control’.
Martín was the MotoGP runner-up and stood out, especially in Sprint races: ‘I didn’t expect the Sprint races to be so positive for me. I was close to becoming a legend; nevertheless, I believe I’ve left my name, and they recognize me as someone who gives everything’, he commented.
The Prima Pramac Racing rider also spoke about the demands of MotoGP: ‘It’s a sport that requires a lot of physical effort but also mental strength. Especially concerning the long-distance travel and being away from home for many days, it’s tough, but it’s something that can’t be controlled. If I had to improve something in the future, it would be that’.