Michelin Tires At Qatar: A Compromise

During preseason testing held 10 days ago in Qatar, the Michelin front tire was the focus of the technicians. The change in the approach some of the riders took between tests in Sepang and Phillip Island generated more than a little confusion. The tire in which they elected as the “good” tire in Malaysia then became the "bad" one in Australia. In Qatar meanwhile there were divided opinions; In other words, confusion.

This lack of uniform agreement creates uneasiness among the riders. They know that Michelin has to make the decision on which tire they will bring to the Grand Prix. This decision under these circumstances means that part of the grid will inevitably be dissatisfied and will wonder why Michelin had brought one tire and not the other. We need a vote. Knowing what kind of controversy the decision would generate, Michelin has been preparing themselves ahead of the first Grand Prix by coming up with a solution wherein the riders have an additional choice. The riders usually have two types of front tires and two types of rear tires at their disposal, but this race they will have three options available for the front: the two used in testing a few days ago, namely #34 and #36K—which have the same compounds but different carcasses—and another version with a slightly harder version of the compound #36K, called #36E. The two options for the rear remains unchanged.

Another exception at this first GP of 2016 will be when the riders choose which tires they will use. Usually they are chosen after FP2 on Friday. Then the teams report on tires they will use for the rest of the weekend. However this time, riders can choose the tires theat the end of the next day. What will remain unchanged is the number of tires they will have during the GP, which will remain 10 for the front and 12 for the rear.