The tire pressure rule that has generated controversy in MotoGP will remain in effect for the 2027 season, despite the inclusion of a new tire supplier. This decision comes after recent incidents, such as Joan Mir’s loss of the podium at the Catalonia Grand Prix due to a breach of this rule.
Honda has fired Joan Mir, who will move to the Gresini team next season. The Japanese brand highlighted his achievements, citing three podium finishes, although the official statistic counts only two podiums obtained during his time with Honda. In the Catalonia Grand Prix, Mir finished second, but the official ranking placed him in thirteenth due to a penalty for not complying with the tire pressure rule.
The rule, introduced in 2023, requires riders to maintain the front tire pressure above 1.80 bar for 60% of the laps in grand prix races, and above 1.68 bar for the rear tire, with penalties of 16 and 8 seconds, respectively, for non-compliance. This rule has caused several controversies affecting the image of the championship, which teams, riders, and fans consider inadequate.
Giorgio Barbier, director of motorcycle competition at Pirelli, has stated that the rule will remain in place out of respect for the current tire supplier, Michelin. According to Barbier, it is essential to ensure the safety of the riders, as established in discussions between Dorna and Michelin. He explained that variations in pressure can have implications for tire performance, especially in complex aerodynamic conditions.
Pirelli, which also supplies tires for other categories such as Superbikes, is considering the possibility of adjusting the rule in the future, based on the behavior of its tires. Barbier has emphasized that Pirelli tires have a wider operating window compared to current tires, allowing for greater flexibility in their specifications.
With the decision to maintain the rule, the aim is to ensure a balanced competition and avoid incidents like Mir’s from recurring in the future. The reaction from teams and fans will be key to understanding the impact of this rule in the new era of MotoGP.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
