{"id":1868236,"date":"2026-04-06T09:33:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T06:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868236"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:33:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T06:33:05","slug":"michelin-always-doubted-early-aprilia-motogp-tyre-advantage-claims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868236","title":{"rendered":"Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Wins in Thailand and Brazil for Aprilia were initially thought to have been aided by tyre specification<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-06T10:33:05+01:00\">06 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing, 2026 US MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Michelin says it always doubted claims that Aprilia\u2019s domination at the Thailand and Brazil MotoGP rounds was aided by the alternate tyre construction used.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the extreme heat at Buriram and the fast layout of Goiania, Michelin brought its stiffer tyre construction to those events at the start of the 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>In both, Aprilia dominated the grands prix, with Marco Bezzecchi a runaway winner in Thailand, while doing so again in Brazil ahead of a team 1-2 with Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The RS-GP\u2019s ability to get the most out of the stiffer tyre was highlighted as a reason for Aprilia\u2019s dominance over the rest in Thailand and Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>The United States Grand Prix saw a return to the standard casing used at most circuits on the calendar, which was expected to bring Ducati back into play.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, Ducati failed to score a podium, while Bezzecchi led another Aprilia 1-2 ahead of Martin at COTA.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Aprilia \u2018has something more\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Aprilia\u2019s Austin performance, which also included a first sprint win of the campaign, disproved early theories about its dominance being linked to the stiffer tyre casing.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ae5abd0c3d9bb8ba0d5cb05ebc7839cdc51693025b32cac40bcc87d9ee59ba43\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Michelin boss Piero Taramasso insists that he never subscribed to this way of thinking in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with the Italian edition of <em>Motorsport<\/em>, the Michelin MotoGP boss said: \u201cI always thought it wasn\u2019t that [the stiffer tyre], because we\u2019ve been offering the stiffest casing for several seasons now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, everyone knows how to interpret it and how to work on the set-up.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-00ecfb0a2b8d73670d88a2583a522f881d22d65f8b7077cd93e6b61d8865f7db\">  Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d   Aprilia hails Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s \u201cchampion\u201d response: A \u201cgreat sign\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEven the riders have gotten used to it. Right now, Aprilia really has something more in terms of the bike.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The stiffer tyre casing is used at Red Bull Ring, Mandalika, Buriram and Goiania to cope with excessive heat demands.<\/p>\n<p>That tyre has led to mixed fortunes for Ducati over the last year.<\/p>\n<p>It has always gone well at Red Bull Ring on the tyre, while the Ducati was dominant at Buriram last season.<\/p>\n<p>However, at Mandalika last year, Ducati\u2019s GP25s struggled on that rubber, though its GP24 was able to dominate in the hands of Fermin Aldeguer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Ducati was left confused by its pace on that tyre at Buriram this season, as it didn\u2019t encounter the same issues during the test just a week prior.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia Racing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> \u201cWhat the hell am I doing here?\u201d: Yamaha MotoGP struggles getting to one rider<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303159_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-5c7e50135dc6e0317d6096056a98a6d8173234d6539d3b4948de02cb93cb74ae\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-f2485f3b3a5e9549940178a9f594d3de28f630f01acf6ddfbcefefd2e2ffc149\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Aprilia plans to manage Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin in MotoGP title fight<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774956223\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303912_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Matin, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>US MotoGP a shuddering warning for Ducati\u2019s title defence<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774867309\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1301573_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi reveals \u201camazing support\u201d from F1\u2019s newest winner<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774865946\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1304358_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s COTA Sprint downfall: \u201cA mistake I shouldn\u2019t have made\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774795714\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1302084_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi crashes out of US MotoGP Sprint.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi \u201cmuch better than last Friday\u201d but Marquez \u201csuper strong\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774700289\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1301219_hires_1600x900_4.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia unveils ultra-limited $150k track day weapon<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774626969\"> 27\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/apriliaracing-apriliax250th-01_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin unveil the \u2018Aprilia X 250TH\u2019 at COTA.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Wins in Thailand and Brazil for Aprilia were initially thought to have been aided by tyre specification<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Michelin says it always doubted claims that Aprilia\u2019s domination at the Thailand and Brazil MotoGP rounds was aided by the alternate tyre construction used.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the extreme heat at Buriram and the fast layout of Goiania, Michelin brought its stiffer tyre construction to those events at the start of the 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>In both, Aprilia dominated the grands prix, with Marco Bezzecchi a runaway winner in Thailand, while doing so again in Brazil ahead of a team 1-2 with Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The RS-GP\u2019s ability to get the most out of the stiffer tyre was highlighted as a reason for Aprilia\u2019s dominance over the rest in Thailand and Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>The United States Grand Prix saw a return to the standard casing used at most circuits on the calendar, which was expected to bring Ducati back into play.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, Ducati failed to score a podium, while Bezzecchi led another Aprilia 1-2 ahead of Martin at COTA.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Aprilia \u2018has something more\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Aprilia\u2019s Austin performance, which also included a first sprint win of the campaign, disproved early theories about its dominance being linked to the stiffer tyre casing.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ae5abd0c3d9bb8ba0d5cb05ebc7839cdc51693025b32cac40bcc87d9ee59ba43\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Michelin boss Piero Taramasso insists that he never subscribed to this way of thinking in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with the Italian edition of <em>Motorsport<\/em>, the Michelin MotoGP boss said: \u201cI always thought it wasn\u2019t that [the stiffer tyre], because we\u2019ve been offering the stiffest casing for several seasons now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, everyone knows how to interpret it and how to work on the set-up.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-00ecfb0a2b8d73670d88a2583a522f881d22d65f8b7077cd93e6b61d8865f7db\">  Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d   Aprilia hails Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s \u201cchampion\u201d response: A \u201cgreat sign\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEven the riders have gotten used to it. Right now, Aprilia really has something more in terms of the bike.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The stiffer tyre casing is used at Red Bull Ring, Mandalika, Buriram and Goiania to cope with excessive heat demands.<\/p>\n<p>That tyre has led to mixed fortunes for Ducati over the last year.<\/p>\n<p>It has always gone well at Red Bull Ring on the tyre, while the Ducati was dominant at Buriram last season.<\/p>\n<p>However, at Mandalika last year, Ducati\u2019s GP25s struggled on that rubber, though its GP24 was able to dominate in the hands of Fermin Aldeguer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Ducati was left confused by its pace on that tyre at Buriram this season, as it didn\u2019t encounter the same issues during the test just a week prior.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Michelin says it always doubted claims that Aprilia\u2019s domination at the Thailand and Brazil MotoGP rounds was aided by the alternate tyre construction used.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the extreme heat at Buriram and the fast layout of Goiania, Michelin brought its stiffer tyre construction to those events at the start of the 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n<p>In both, Aprilia dominated the grands prix, with Marco Bezzecchi a runaway winner in Thailand, while doing so again in Brazil ahead of a team 1-2 with Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The RS-GP\u2019s ability to get the most out of the stiffer tyre was highlighted as a reason for Aprilia\u2019s dominance over the rest in Thailand and Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>The United States Grand Prix saw a return to the standard casing used at most circuits on the calendar, which was expected to bring Ducati back into play.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, Ducati failed to score a podium, while Bezzecchi led another Aprilia 1-2 ahead of Martin at COTA.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Aprilia \u2018has something more\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Aprilia\u2019s Austin performance, which also included a first sprint win of the campaign, disproved early theories about its dominance being linked to the stiffer tyre casing.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ae5abd0c3d9bb8ba0d5cb05ebc7839cdc51693025b32cac40bcc87d9ee59ba43\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Michelin boss Piero Taramasso insists that he never subscribed to this way of thinking in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with the Italian edition of <em>Motorsport<\/em>, the Michelin MotoGP boss said: \u201cI always thought it wasn\u2019t that [the stiffer tyre], because we\u2019ve been offering the stiffest casing for several seasons now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, everyone knows how to interpret it and how to work on the set-up.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-00ecfb0a2b8d73670d88a2583a522f881d22d65f8b7077cd93e6b61d8865f7db\">  Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d   Aprilia hails Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s \u201cchampion\u201d response: A \u201cgreat sign\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEven the riders have gotten used to it. Right now, Aprilia really has something more in terms of the bike.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The stiffer tyre casing is used at Red Bull Ring, Mandalika, Buriram and Goiania to cope with excessive heat demands.<\/p>\n<p>That tyre has led to mixed fortunes for Ducati over the last year.<\/p>\n<p>It has always gone well at Red Bull Ring on the tyre, while the Ducati was dominant at Buriram last season.<\/p>\n<p>However, at Mandalika last year, Ducati\u2019s GP25s struggled on that rubber, though its GP24 was able to dominate in the hands of Fermin Aldeguer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Ducati was left confused by its pace on that tyre at Buriram this season, as it didn\u2019t encounter the same issues during the test just a week prior.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1092885\/1\/michelin-always-doubted-early-aprilia-motogp-tyre-advantage-claims&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims Wins in Thailand and Brazil for Aprilia were initially thought to have been aided by tyre specification Lewis Duncan 06 Apr 2026 Share Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing, 2026 US MotoGP \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source Michelin says it always doubted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1868236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1868236"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868236\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1868236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1868236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1868236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}