Ducati will be looking to respond at the Brazilian Grand Prix after a poor start to the 2026 season in Thailand, but Michelin’s tire choice will make life very difficult for them.
Ducati’s 88 race podium ended at Buriram when Aprilia bikes dominated. Marc Marquez was struggling to extend his run when he suffered a tire failure, leaving VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio behind leader Desmosedici in P6.
While a group manager Davide Tardozzi was ‘stunned’ by Ducati’s performance.Some drivers believe that the reinforced Michelin tires are at the root of their problem.
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Michelin has confirmed that a special high-temperature tire is used in Brazil
Michelin It had to deploy the strongest construction to withstand the extremely hot temperatures in the Chang International Circuit. Also brought to Indonesia last year, Marco Bezecchi took the pole and both factory Ducati riders struggled.
to speak Motorsport SpainMichelin director Piero Taramaso confirmed that these measures are important for Brazil. Temperatures in Goiania are forecast to drop to 30 degrees this weekend.
This is a defeat for Marc Marquez and co. Looking for their first win of the season, however, Bezecic could give him the platform to extend his early championship lead.
“We’re bringing what’s really, really hot,” said Taramaso. “We’re bringing soft and medium tires to Thailand.”
“The strongest will be the one we bring to Austria, still strong but slightly modified in the central part. So it’s all the specs we always use on the most demanding circuits.
Piero Taramaso highlights Ducati’s biggest problem in the Aprilia battle
Ducati They were impressive during winter testing in Thailand but their performance evaporated when it mattered. Thursday’s rain may have washed away all the rubber.
Taramaso believes Ducati’s problems go beyond tires. Instead, they struggle when grip levels are low, and that’s exactly when the Aprilia comes alive.
He said: “During the test it felt less grip than in the race, even the Sprint was seven to eight seconds off the record. But I can assure you that everyone felt less grip and less spin.”
“The temperature was definitely higher, and probably more humid, not to mention there was heavy rain between the test and the race weekend. Sometimes it takes a little bit to change the conditions and change the mood of the riders.
“The trend is that the Aprilia seems to be the bike that suffers the least when we go to the tracks. The Ducati, on the other hand, seems to increase its advantage when there’s more grip.”
“However, regardless of this chassis, it has been a trend for the past three years, however, it must be confirmed in the next races.”
It is worth noting that Marquez was still not 100% fit weekend in Thailand, so the extra three weeks of healing time before Brazil could be very beneficial.
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