Source: MotoGP.

French tyre manufacturer Michelin continued its testing season today at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar in a one-day test.

The purpose of the test was two-fold, as Michelin gathered data for the race in Qatar in 2016, as well as continuing its general development for its return to the premier class.

Following the second Sepang test where all official MotoGP riders tested a range of front and rear tyres, Michelin created a new range of slicks based on their feedbacks for Honda test rider Hiroshi Aoyama and Ducati test rider Michele Pirro to try.

Piero Taramasso, manager of Michelin two-wheel motorsport activities, confirmed that the larger of the two front tyre profiles was selected in Malaysia, resulting in a Qatar selection of three tyres with the same profile and compound, yet different casings.

A preferred rear tyre from the Sepang Test was used as a reference, with two other rears with varying compounds also part of the test allocation. Following heavy downpours the day before the track was not in a ideal condition, with riders having to spend the first hours creating a clean line.

Michelin will carry out a further 12 tests in 2015, using either teams’ selected test riders, or current MotoGP entries.