Michelin Defends Tire Performance After Jorge Martin's Sepang Crash

During the first day of the MotoGP pre-season test in Sepang, reigning champion Jorge Martin crashed twice, suffering multiple fractures that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Initial analysis from Aprilia Racing suggested the crash may have been linked to the rear tyre, prompting scrutiny of Michelin, the tire supplier. Michelin's Piero Taramasso defended the integrity of the tires, stating that while surface temperatures were normal, significant discrepancies in the inner layer temperature contributed to the crash. Taramasso emphasized that the tire was manufactured last year and had not been improperly stored, maintaining it was suitable for high performance. Analysis of Martin's performance indicated that he had been competitive prior to the crash, raising questions about the incident's cause. Both Taramasso and Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, agreed that there were no faults with the rider or bike, leaving the precise cause of the crash still under investigation.