• The wide variety of specifications offered by Michelin in Barcelona allowed drivers to find the best balance on a low-grip track.
• Despite the cool temperatures of mid-November, the pilots managed to flirt with the records set in May.
• Jorge Martin was crowned 2024 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion, while Ducati secured a triple crown: constructors', teams' and riders' champions.
Following the natural disaster that recently affected the Valencia region, Dorna Sports chose the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit to host the grand finale of the season. With two riders still in contention for the world title, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), fan attention was at fever pitch throughout the weekend.
Although the choice of Barcelona seemed intuitive, the November weather conditions and the circuit's asymmetrical layout, which was naturally low-grip, posed challenges.
To meet these demanding conditions, Michelin has expanded its tire offering, bringing to Barcelona a greater number of tires than the usual supply. Building on the May specifications, Michelin has introduced a new range suitable for lower temperatures:
- Rear tires : an even softer tire has been added, leading to a redefinition of the options. The May Medium becomes Hard, the Soft becomes Medium, and a new Soft tire enters the allocation.
- Front tires : the Hard specification from May was withdrawn, considered too hard, and replaced by two new asymmetric tires in addition to the symmetrical Medium and Soft options.
« Michelin has done a great job offering a wide variety of tires “, declared Francesco Bagnaia during the Thursday press conference. “ The adjustments made in May allow us to fully concentrate on evaluating the tires in preparation for the Tissot Sprint and the race. »
During the test sessions, the drivers explored the entire range of MICHELIN Power Slicks to refine their choices. This preparation gave rise to varied strategies during the Tissot Sprint, with last minute decisions and surprises, such as the choice of an asymmetrical Hard front tire for Bagnaia, while Martin opted for a Medium.
The Tissot Sprint was ultimately won by Francesco Bagnaia, followed by his teammate Enea Bastianini, while Jorge Martin finished third, maintaining a comfortable lead of 19 points in the general classification.
On Sunday, the Motul Solidarity Barcelona Grand Prix 2024 kept all its promises, attracting an enthusiastic crowd under bright sunshine. The start was given at 2 p.m., in ideal conditions with 20°C in the air and 25°C on the track. Francesco Bagnaia, who started in pole position, immediately took control of the race from the first corner. He was followed by Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) to the finish line, thus securing the eleventh victory of the season. Jorge Martín, for his part, completed the podium in third place, at the same time capturing the title of 2024 FIM MotoGP World Champion.
Piero Taramassomanager of two-wheel competition at Michelin: “ With the exceptional allowance provided in Barcelona, we have given drivers a wider choice, including between symmetrical and dual-compound tires. More than half of the tires brought in were from new production. Our factories in Cataroux (front tires) and Gravanches (rear tires) have worked tirelessly to manufacture the necessary quantity of tires, while guaranteeing impeccable quality. »
“This last Grand Prix was eagerly awaited. The performances lived up to the expectations of the drivers, but also of the international public, who came to support the two title contenders. Michelin was an actor in this show and we are proud of it. Congratulations to Jorge Martin for his world title and to Ducati for his triple crown. »
« In 2024, with our new range of tires and innovative rubber compounds, drivers have pushed the limits, breaking all records, sometimes with gaps of up to a second. This is an exceptional result that exceeds our expectations. »
« Finally, I would like to thank our engineers and technicians for their commitment and the work provided. With the official tests starting next Tuesday, we are already starting 2025 with ambition! »
