Michelin has expanded its rear tyre allocation for the Malaysian MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit, providing riders with an extra medium compound despite the cancellation of planned track resurfacing work. Although the newly developed tyre was originally prepared specifically for a fresh track surface that was never laid, the French manufacturer opted to retain the specification to give teams greater strategic versatility throughout the Grand Prix weekend.
The revised selection provides the premier-class field with three distinct rear slick options. During the 2025 event, every competitor chose the soft rear tyre for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, while the 2025 medium compound proved widely unpopular. For this season's visit to Sepang, that former medium has been reclassified as the hard option, with the newly introduced medium inserted between it and the proven soft tyre.
From a technical standpoint, the new medium features a symmetric construction, differing significantly from the other two rear solutions. Both the soft and hard specifications utilize an asymmetric design with a reinforced right shoulder to handle the severe mechanical stresses created by Sepang's higher proportion of right-hand corners. Front slick allocations remain unchanged, with Michelin supplying soft and medium compounds to cope with track temperatures that can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, alongside the constant threat of rain across the weekend.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Competition Manager, explained that Sepang is a venue the tyre supplier knows thoroughly through regular testing alongside the annual Grand Prix fixture. Noting that the high-speed layout is particularly punishing on rubber, Taramasso confirmed that racing will take place on the same asphalt as 2025, although certain sections received localized work ahead of a recent 'Bahrain' F1 event. He emphasized that retaining the extra rear tyre provides teams with crucial flexibility to refine bike setups and race tactics, which "could prove to be a real advantage."
Tyre management will be a vital factor as the world championship arrives in Malaysia amid a tight points battle. New championship leader Marc Marquez enters the Grand Prix holding a ten-point advantage over injured title rival Jorge Martin, with the expanded rubber options giving both contenders and their rivals additional operational choices across the round.
Sources: Michelin brings new MotoGP tyre option despite Sepang resurfacing U-turn.
