Tyre performance gets more and more important in the world of racing and, as in any walk of life, competition between brands has led to a better quality product.
The Grand Prix of China this weekend will be another new challenge for the rubber manufacturers and Michelin, the most successful brand in World Championship history, is the reference point for others to follow. Nicolas Goubert, Michelin's chief of motorcycling competitions, explains how the French factory is preparing their challenge at a new track, where no Grand Prix motorcycle has ever completed a lap.
The World Championship heads for China this weekend. What type of track are you expecting to encounter?
When we go to a new circuit, like Shanghai, we start of with an exhaustive analysis of the circuit’s design. At Shanghai there are two very long straights – one measuring 1202m, which is the longest straight on the calendar, longer than Mugello at 1141m and Catalunya at 1047m. Another main characteristic is the two virtually 360º corners, which will be very demanding on the tyres because of the high temperatures the rubber will reach in those sections. We also have to take into account the weather conditions. At this time of year the temperature is not too high but the risk of rain is. Last year we raced for the first time at Qatar, but we had four practice sessions in the dry and the race was also dry. In China there could be rain, which would disrupt our preparations and leave little time for tyre testing.
With this being a new circuit will you bring much more material than at other venues?
Without doubt. With it being a new track for everybody the variety of tyres, of differing compounds and constructions, is bigger than at other circuits where we have reference data and many years of racing experience.
Have any Michelin technicians already visited the track?
No. We have worked from an analysis of its design and the experience of our colleagues in Formula 1.
How useful can the F1 data be?
The data is useful to get an idea of the track surface, grip levels and type of tyre wear that the circuit offers.
Looking at the results of the 2005 season so far, how much has the performance of tyres moved on since last year?
I think we have taken an important step forwards, particularly with the rear tyre. We have improved stability and grip at maximum lean angle. These were the two most important requests from the riders during the preseason. Over the course of the season we must adapt the tyres to the characteristics of each circuit. In each case there are three factors that have to be taken into consideration: track characteristics, surface conditions and climate.
How important has feedback from the Movistar riders been for development of Michelin tyres?
Their feedback has been very important throughout the winter tests. We have been working with Sete Gibernau for a long time and he is a rider with a lot of experience. Marco Melandri, meanwhile, has been a pleasant surprise for us. He is a rider who gives very precise feedback and he can quickly analyse the characteristics of a tyre. His results at this stage of the season confirm his quality as a rider.