During Monday's official MotoGP test at Misano, part of the session was dedicated to testing Michelin’s newly developed front tire for the upcoming season.

This updated tire is designed to handle the increased demands of modern aerodynamics and ride-height devices, while also addressing issues like temperature and pressure sensitivity when closely trailing other bikes.

“We set aside a specific time slot where all the official riders had a chance to try the new generation of front tires," explained Michelin’s MotoGP chief, Piero Taramasso. "It's an entirely new design, with different construction and profile. The goal is to provide more grip, improved feedback, and reduce the tire’s sensitivity to changes in pressure and temperature. On top of that, the tire is even lighter than the current version, which is a step toward sustainability.”

The feedback from riders was mostly positive. "Most riders liked it. It took a couple of laps to adjust, as the handling is different, but once they got used to it, they pushed harder and reported good grip and stability, especially in fast corners,” Taramasso added. “Overall, it was a successful test. The foundation is solid, though it’s not perfect yet. We’ll need to make adjustments to ensure it performs well across all bikes and manufacturers. Still, we're pleased with the outcome. It worked on all the bikes without requiring major setup changes, which is a great start. Now, we'll head back to France, analyze the data, and see what further improvements we can make, bearing in mind that time is short…”

Bagnaia was personally happy with the tire. “I love it,” Bagnaia said. “It was exactly what I needed. I rely heavily on braking when entering corners, and with this tire, everything felt fantastic.” Bagnaia was also impressed by the grip and how much he could push: “I think this tire will help reduce the pressure issues when riding behind others, so it could be a great step forward."

However, not everyone seemed to like it; some riders mentioned that the tire made direction changes feel heavier.

With the MotoGP season heading into its remaining races, riders are not expected to test the new front tire again until the post-season Valencia test.