MotoGP – Manufacturers, a key factor in MotoGP? –

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Manufacturers, a key factor in MotoGP ?

MotoGP - Manufacturers, a key factor in MotoGP? -

In this summer period, in addition to the transfers and the hunt for Valentino Rossi by the paparazzi, a subject is debated: the battle between the manufacturers Michelin and Bridgestone … and its impact on the conduct of the 2007 championship !

We are halfway through the summer break and the photo novels surrounding the Continental Circus are in full swing !

While the press and the Italian tax authorities relentlessly track down Valentino Rossi, his alleged new conquest and 60 of his millions of € uros, Loris Capirossi has not ceased to express his dissatisfaction with Ducati since the announcement of Marco Melandri for 2008 (read), the leader of the Honda team Konica Minolta continues his complaints about his 800 RCV, Kawasaki leaves doubt on the composition of his team for next year – so, 2 or 3 motorcycles? -, Yamaha spares the Tech 3 suspense (read), etc..

But behind the scenes, an even more bitter battle than that fought on the track rages and ignites the debates: it is about the fight between the tire manufacturers and especially Michelin and Bridgestone.

It is clear that this year is one of all upheavals: the arrival of the 800 cc has redistributed the cards and some manufacturers have left feathers. However, if Ducati has obviously manufactured a machine using the maximum available potential, it is no longer their superior top speed which explains their place in the championship and the leadership of the extraordinary Casey Stoner: with seven races remaining, the Perhaps the most striking fact of the season is the incredible progression and consistency of the Bridgestone tires..

All the arguments are put forward to try to explain this unprecedented turnaround for the French manufacturer, used for a decade to reign supreme over the Queen category !

First, the new regulations imposed by the Dorna at the end of last year which no longer allow the Auvergne factory to bring tires on Saturday, or even on race Sunday. Michelin’s political and technical choices are also controversial: Nicolas Goubert’s departure from the position of sporting director, appearance this winter of the 16-inch front and then the rear and hazardous choice of tires in certain races – Turkey, France, USA -.

But before blaming the world leader in tires, it must be admitted that the Japanese have made a real leap forward in terms of performance and endurance … The demonstration in the United States (100% Bridgestone podium, read) , where no Bridge pilot had ever shone, is the best proof !

Hiroshi Yamada, head of competition at Bridgestone, looks back on this turning point in the championship: "we were not happy with the performance of our tires at the Sachsenring, but Loris’s second place shows that our riders can achieve good results even when the conditions are not ideal. Our tires performed well at Laguna and before Casey’s victory none of our riders had managed to get on the podium. The fact that Chris and Marco ended up on the podium underlines our level of performance.".

An impressive level of performance, well showcased, it is true, by a Casey Stoner at the top of his game: the Australian shows unwavering confidence in his tire / bike package. Moreover, where Michelin riders have experienced changes in size and stiffness on their casings, Stoner – a sleuth of blood – wishes to preserve the fine balance he found this winter: so if Bridgestone has brought new 16 inches rear on certain events, the N ° 27 did not want to use them in races.

Because, as Yamada points out: "there are several factors that can affect the performance of the tire and the new regulations leave little room for error". Clearly, it is better to start on known terrain, because the 31 tires being chosen from Thursday evening, the error can prove fatal: a situation considered" stimulating "on the Japanese side and that the manufacturer – and certainly not its pilots – does not want to see change.

"Currently Michelin is complaining a bit because they have always dominated and now Bridgestone has taken the lead", analyzes former champion Jorge Martinez. An opinion shared by many of his peers including Stoner of course:"I had bad races this year, especially in Germany and I am not saying that the rules are not fair".

The Australian who took – too! – the head of the BMW M trophy at Laguna Seca – established on the aggregate of the times recorded during the qualifying sessions and the official pre-season session – thus responds to the allegations of Rossi and Pedrosa who would like the regulations to be revised in the name competition and "spectacle" …

A spectacle that did not become monotonous, however, as shown by the statistics of the podiums established over the 11 GP contested:

  • 7 Bridgestone wins, i.e. 63% success
  • 3 100% Japanese podiums compared to only 1 for the French manufacturer
  • 55% of second places and 45% of thirds ensured by Michelin

In short, while it is true that Michelin and its drivers are mistreated, neither side can seriously accuse Bridgestone of an overwhelming monopoly !

For Angel Nieto – present at the American race -, "we talk too much about tires. Looks like they’re the winner or the lose, but I believe the tires work when the chassis and all the other parts of the bike are in place. They can always be more or less efficient, but if the chassis is problematic, they will wear out faster and the rider will not be comfortable.".

A sobering statement considering the balance problems the M1 suffered from last year and the recurring complaints from Honda riders about the front and traction of their RCV212 this year….

Alexandre BARDIN – Photos DR

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