Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2022 R182022-10-12 07:30The penultimate race in the Asia Pacific region for 2022 sees the Michelin team and the MotoGP™ paddock head to Phillip Island, in the state of Victoria, for the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Located 90 minutes south of Melbourne, Phillip Island with its 4.4km (2.76 miles) strip of asphalt perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Bass Strait – a stretch of sea separating Tasmania from the state of Victoria on the Australian mainland – is one of the most stunning, yet demanding racetracks on the MotoGP calendar. The anti-clockwise layout of the track with is seven left-and five right-hand corners, places huge demands on the tyres due to the physical stresses exerted on them and the need to control the high temperatures that are generated by the abrasive surface. Contrary to the heat generated, a fast warm-up is also a must at this time of year, as the cooler weather can mean that the shoulders of the tyres can lose temperature quite rapidly. Taking these requirements into account, the MICHELIN Power Slick tyre allocation comprises tyres with a unique range of compounds specifically designed for this circuit. The so-called ‘Phillip Island’ tyres meet the expectations of the riders and their respective machines, enabling them to push to the limit with complete confidence. Available in Soft, Medium and Hard for the front and rear, this is one of only three races this season when the whole allocation will be asymmetric, with a harder left side to cope with the stresses that are placed on that shoulder of the tyre. The other ‘all asymmetric’ tyre circuits are Sachsenring and Valencia. With its very close proximity to the sea and with it being early Spring in Australia, Phillip Island is vulnerable to wind and rain. If rain does make an appearance, the MICHELIN Power Rain tyres will be available. These tyres are also designed to meet the particular needs of the circuit and will be available in Soft and Medium compounds – the fronts being symmetric and the rears asymmetric, with a harder left-hand side like the rear slicks. Speaking prior to the race weekend, Piero Taramasso, Michelin Two Wheel Motorsport Manager, said: “The last time we raced here was in 2019, and at that time we tested our new rear slick construction, which is the one we now have in our 2022 allocation. This track, with its particular layout and asphalt, always puts our tyres under close scrutiny because they need to offer the grip, durability, consistency, and performance that this circuit demands. Our unique selection of ‘Phillip Island’ compound tyres don’t only have to meet these criteria, but they also have to do this in the mixed weather conditions that can prevail here close to the sea. “Even though this is our first visit here with our latest rear tyre construction, these tyres have proved their pace and durability at other circuits on the MotoGP calendar, so I have no doubt that they will allow the riders to push as always and give the passionate fans an exciting race weekend to remember.” The circuit action will get underway when the MotoGP riders take to the track on Friday 14 October for the first two Free Practice sessions. Saturday will see two further practice sessions ahead of Qualifying, when grid positions for the race will be decided. Sunday’s 27-lap race is scheduled to get underway when the lights go out at 14.00 local time. About Michelin Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 177 countries, has 124,760 employees and operates 68 tire production facilities which together produced around 173 million tires in 2021. (www.michelin.com) Source: Michelin Motorsport Click here to visit our forums to discuss this story |
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