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Michelin withdraws soft rear tyre from Japanese MotoGP after Sprint problems

The medium remains available and the reinforced hard is recommended for Sunday’s race, while warm-up has been extended to 20 minutes.

Summary

Michelin has withdrawn the soft rear tyre from Sunday’s Japanese MotoGP race following the problems experienced during Saturday’s Sprint at Motegi. The medium remains available, while the supplier recommends the reinforced hard rear for the Grand Prix.

The decision changes the choices available to teams after a Sprint in which Jorge Martín suffered severe tyre deterioration and Francesco Bagnaia returned to the pits before the finish. Marc Márquez won the race and reduced Martín’s championship advantage to seven points.

Warm-up has also been extended from ten to 20 minutes. At the time of the announcement, there was no change to the race distance and no requirement for compulsory pit stops.

Hard rear recommended, but not mandatory

Michelin’s decision removes one compound rather than imposing a single tyre on the field. Teams must now choose between managing the medium rear and using the reinforced hard, which had not been run during the weekend when the change was announced.

Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s motorcycle racing manager, confirmed the withdrawal after the supplier examined Saturday’s tyres and data.

“Anyway, we analysed all the data, the tyres, and the solution for tomorrow is that the soft rear will not be allowed in the race.”

The distinction is important: the hard rear is Michelin’s recommended option, but the medium remains permitted. The longer warm-up provides an opportunity to assess the harder compound before the race.

Jorge Martín gets pole-position at Motegi (Photo: MotoGP)

Sprint problems change Sunday’s preparation

Saturday’s result is covered in the full Japanese MotoGP Sprint report. Márquez took victory, while penalties promoted Diogo Moreira to second and left Martín third.

The championship therefore enters Sunday with Martín on 313 points and Márquez on 306. The tyre withdrawal adds another variable to their contest, requiring both riders and their teams to prepare around a revised allocation.

The updated riders’, teams’ and constructors’ standings show how Saturday’s race tightened the title battle.

MotoGP continues this weekend, from 2–4 October, in Japan. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Motegi.

MotoGP today: FAQ

What time does the Japanese MotoGP race start?

The race starts on Sunday, 4 October, at 14:00 JST: 06:00 BST in the UK, 01:00 EDT in eastern US and Canada, 10:30 IST in India and 16:00 AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne. In Los Angeles and Vancouver, it begins at 22:00 PDT on Saturday, 3 October.

Can Marc Márquez take the MotoGP championship lead in Japan?

Yes. Márquez trails Jorge Martín by seven points after winning Saturday’s Sprint. If Márquez wins Sunday’s race and Martín finishes third or lower, Márquez takes the lead. Second place for Márquez and fourth for Martín would also be enough: they would draw level on points, with Márquez ahead on the Grand Prix victory tiebreak.

Why has Michelin withdrawn the soft rear tyre at Motegi?

Michelin withdrew the soft rear tyre after problems during Saturday’s Sprint, including those affecting Jorge Martín and Francesco Bagnaia. The medium and hard options remain available, but Michelin recommends the hard and has warned that the medium still carries risks.