Michelin Defends Tyres After Jorge Martín’s Crash at Sepang Test

Piero Taramasso stated that the tyres used by Jorge Martín during his Sepang MotoGP test crash had no problems.

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Michelin’s Piero Taramasso has stated that there were “no problems” with the tyres used by Aprilia’s Jorge Martín during his heavy crash on the first day of the Sepang MotoGP test. 

The reigning world champion suffered two crashes in quick succession, with the second incident being a severe highside that left him with multiple fractures, including injuries to his right hand and left foot. The injuries have ruled Martín out of the remainder of the test and cast uncertainty over his pre-season preparations as he prepares to undergo surgery in Spain.

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola had previously confirmed that the team’s data indicated no issues with Martín’s riding or the bike itself, adding that the tyres were within the correct operating window at the time of the crash. While Rivola stopped short of directly blaming Michelin, Taramasso defended the tyre manufacturer, stating that their own investigations found no faults with the tyres Martín was using.

“When there are these accidents, we always have to look for the reason, and logically, the tyres are part of the bike and the whole system,” Taramasso told Sky Italy on Thursday. “We looked at Jorge’s rear tyre: as far as traceability is concerned, this tyre was manufactured last year, it was never heated, and therefore had all the qualities to be a high-performance tyre. That’s why we brought it here.”

Taramasso further explained that Michelin’s analysis of the tyre after Martín’s runs showed no signs of malfunction. “We looked at the tyre after the runs that Jorge did, and it worked well: you can see it from the look, it worked both left and right,” he said.

Martín’s crash has raised questions about the safety and performance of the tyres, but Michelin’s findings suggest that the incident was not caused by any defect in the rubber. The manufacturer has a strong track record in MotoGP, and Taramasso’s comments aim to reassure teams and riders of the tyres’ reliability.

As Martín heads home for surgery, Aprilia continues their last day of the testing program with Marco Bezzecchi and test rider Lorenzo Savadori. The team remains focused on refining the RS-GP25 ahead of the 2025 season, while Michelin will continue to work closely with teams to ensure optimal tyre performance and safety.