Michelin, MotoGP’s tyre supplier, had just a week to produce and deliver the tyres needed for this weekend’s finale in Barcelona.

The decision to change the venue created a challenge for everyone involved, especially Michelin, who had to respond quickly after the cancellation of the Valencia GP. Throughout the Malaysian GP, Dorna remained in close contact with Michelin as they worked to finalize the decision to replace the season finale with Barcelona.

Barcelona was chosen over other potential locations, primarily due to logistical considerations. Other options would likely have required pushing the event back by a week, while venues like a second race in Malaysia were ruled out due to limited access to tyres and fuel. On Sunday in Malaysia, the decision to race in Barcelona was officially confirmed, and by Monday, Michelin had begun manufacturing the compounds for the season finale.

The weather forecast anticipates a maximum temperature of 16°C on Saturday and Sunday, with a potential for rain. “The challenge is significant, especially with the short reaction time we had. We emphasized that, for a European race, we would need seven days to manufacture the compounds, which is exactly what we did,” said Piero Taramasso, Michelin's racing division head, in an interview with Autosport.

“Right after the Sepang race on Monday, we started production in France, and by Wednesday, the tyres arrived at Montmeló. Our quick response system, along with the European location, gave us about three extra days,” Taramasso added. For Barcelona, Michelin has prepared seven tyre specifications—four for the front and three for the rear—drawing on experience from both the Spanish circuit and Phillip Island. Typically, about 1,000 tyres are required, but adding an extra compound brought the total to 1,400.

“The track at Montmeló has older asphalt, offering limited grip,” Taramasso explained. “Additionally, the temperatures are much lower now compared to when we raced here six months ago.”