Rossi and Lorenzo talk Michelin tyres

MOVISTAR Yamaha team-mates Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo agree Michelin need to improve the front tyres. 

As it is a year of changes for MotoGP riders and teams alike, new technical regulations have been introduced, including common software, but another major change is that from Bridgestone tyres to Michelin.

2015 MotoGP runner-up, Rossi, is still hunting for his tenth title after missing out in the final race of the year in 2015. As the most experienced rider on the MotoGP grid, Rossi is aware of what needs to be done to be in with a chance of the 2016 title, but some things are out of his hands.

'The Michelin are very different compared to the Bridgestone, especially about setting,' explained the Doctor. 'Like we saw in the past when we came from Michelin to Bridgestone, we modified the setting of the bike a lot.

'We need a bit of time to arrive at the right balance and I think during the winter this work will be important to try and understand how to use the Michelin tyre at the best and try to improve the feeling with the front.

'We need to understand our level with these tyres compared to other manufacturers because last year our bike was very good with the Bridgestone as it was well balanced. Now it will be hard work to make the same with Michelin.'

Where current MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, whom has elected to retain his iconic number 99, believes that Michelin aren't the only ones who need to make improvements. 

'We ask Yamaha for the electronics and for Michelin to improve the front tyre a little bit,' commented the Spaniard. 'We ask Yamaha to understand the electronics a little bit more, investigate how to create electronics that are as close as possible to last year’s.

'I understand the way of riding these tyres is quite different to riding the Bridgestone. You have to anticipate the braking, release the brake a little bit sooner. 

'Theoretically it can be a little bit better for me, but until we practice in more tracks and pass more time we won’t know.'

Both Yamaha riders and the majority of the 2016 MotoGP field are now preparing for the first test of the year at the Sepang International Circuit on the first of February which is swiftly followed by another test at Philip Island before the first round of the season at Qatar under the iconic floodlights.