MotoGP races, as they approach the pinnacle in the 2026 season, the fight for the Königsklasse championship is heating up. In this contest, a major prize was won in a race contested by six teams and eight riders from three different brands. However, some aspects of this exciting spectacle are being questioned. Specifically, the tire pressure set for Michelin tires, while providing a performance advantage, can also bring safety risks. The lower limit set for race conditions is 1.8 bar.
Pressure Disputes During the Race
Although MotoGP offers pure excitement, events during the race have led to some controversies. Specifically, the riding of WM leader Jorge Martin in the Sprint race and Pedro Acosta on Sunday caused criticism due to hot weather and the search for adequate tire pressure. Some riders question why rider Pedro Acosta of KTM did not demand a control immediately. It is emphasized that fair application must be ensured before the race, but artificial arrangements should not occur after the race has started. Riders state that their technical equipment will provide them with the best performance.
Tire pressure rules were introduced because a very low tire pressure can provide a performance advantage, but it can also bring safety risks. The rules, supported by both the tire partner Michelin and the manufacturers, aim to ensure safety and sporting fairness.
Long-Term Approach
Sporting Director Carlos Ezpeleta stated that he is aware of the sensitivity of the current situation. As MotoGP approaches the transition to Pirelli in 2027, a cautious approach will be taken. It was stressed that the current protocol will be maintained and safety is the top priority. The long-term goal is to develop tires that are affected the least when riders are riding behind each other. This means eliminating the potential performance advantage when the minimum pressure is approached.
Recent technological developments in MotoGP, particularly in the area of aerodynamic and vehicle height adjustment systems, have contributed to a more complex role for tire pressure.
Spectator Perspective
It was mentioned that some spectators who do not follow the MotoGP championship races constantly have questions. It was stated that these questions must be addressed seriously. It was emphasized that this situation must be evaluated seriously.
Carlos Ezpeleta: The rules for tire pressure were introduced because operating with very low tire pressure can offer a performance advantage, but it can also bring safety risks. The rules, supported by both the tire partner Michelin and the manufacturers, aim to ensure safety and sporting fairness.
Conclusion
Carlos Ezpeleta presented a longer-term vision for race organization. It was stated that the current protocol will be maintained and safety is the priority. In the long term, the goal is to develop tires that are affected the least when riders are riding behind each other. This aims to eliminate the potential performance advantage when the minimum pressure is approached.
Explanations
Carlos Ezpeleta:
As MotoGP approaches the transition to Pirelli in 2027, a cautious approach will be taken: The current protocol will remain, and safety is the top priority. In the long term, the goal is to develop tires that are affected the least when one rider is riding behind another. And this is related to eliminating the potential performance advantage when the minimum pressure is approached.
Figures
- Jorge Martin is in 1st place in the 2026 MotoGP season with 355 points (Aprilia Racing Team).
- Archive: Jorge Martin (Aprilia) received an infusion after a gastrointestinal infection (October 14, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
