Michelin is considering changing the current MotoGP tyre pressure penalty system by introducing in-race penalties like long laps. Currently, riders face post-race time penalties if they fail to maintain the minimum specified safety pressure during a certain percentage of race laps. However, these penalties are imposed after the race, leading to delayed changes in race results.
In a recent incident at the Qatar Grand Prix, Maverick Vinales celebrated a second-place finish, only to be demoted to 14th due to a front tyre pressure violation, affecting the overall podium standings. The delayed imposition of penalties has raised concerns among riders and teams in MotoGP.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s two-wheeled racing boss, expressed openness to applying penalties during the race itself based on real-time monitoring data. He emphasized the need to address the timing of penalties and suggested that implementing penalties like long laps during the race could be a viable solution to ensure fair competition and maintain accurate race results.
Real-time pressure monitoring technology has enhanced the accuracy of tracking tyre pressures on the track, providing teams with precise data to make informed decisions. Taramasso highlighted the importance of allowing teams the flexibility to set their starting pressures, as imposing a uniform pressure for all riders could be deemed unfair due to varying race strategies.
While discussing the possibility of reducing the minimum front tyre pressure in the future, Taramasso emphasized that the current limit is already at its lowest and cannot be further decreased. He attributed this achievement to the advanced real-time monitoring system, which enables accurate pressure measurements during races.
Despite the benefits of in-race penalties, there are concerns that such penalties could penalize all low-pressure breaches, irrespective of the cause. This includes unforeseen issues like a leaking rim, as experienced by Pedro Acosta at Mandalika last year, where post-race penalties were avoided due to the nature of the damage.
Michelin’s exclusive partnership with MotoGP as the official tyre supplier is set to continue until the end of the current technical era in 2026, after which Pirelli will take over from 2027. The evolving discussions around tyre pressure penalties reflect the sport’s commitment to enhancing fairness and transparency in MotoGP competitions.
As MotoGP explores potential changes to its penalty system, the focus remains on leveraging technology and data to ensure competitive integrity and timely enforcement of regulations, ultimately enhancing the overall racing experience for both riders and fans.
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