Pirelli debuts at Argentina GP for Moto2 and Moto3

The Grand Prix of Argentina promises to be an exciting, with Pirelli’s debut for both Moto2 and Moto3 adding an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend.

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The Autódromo de Termas de Río Hondo is set to host the Grand Prix of Argentina for the ninth time, marking its return to the MotoGP calendar after being absent in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and again last year. This year’s event will also mark a significant milestone for Pirelli, which became the official tyre supplier for Moto2 and Moto3 in 2024, as it makes its debut at the Argentine circuit.

With no prior data from the Termas de Río Hondo circuit, Pirelli has opted for a basic allocation of standard compounds for both Moto2 and Moto3. These tyres are the same as those available for purchase on the market, ensuring familiarity and reliability for the riders. Each rider will have access to eight tyres per slick solution, allowing them to use their preferred compound for both the front and rear throughout the weekend if desired.

The Termas de Río Hondo circuit is known for its aggressive tarmac, which is rough and demanding on tyres while offering relatively low grip levels. Additionally, the high air and asphalt temperatures typical of the region during this time of year can further exacerbate the challenges posed by the track.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, acknowledged the challenges of debuting at a new circuit. “Pirelli has never raced at Termas de Río Hondo, neither with Moto2 and Moto3 teams and riders nor with other championships, so it is an absolute debut for us,” he said.

Barbier explained that Pirelli’s tyre allocation strategy was based on feedback from teams and riders who have previously raced at the circuit, as well as the company’s extensive experience and knowledge of tyre behaviour in similar conditions.

“We know that the circuit is one of the most demanding for the tyres on the calendar, but at the same time, what were notoriously difficult circuits for the tyres last year were not particularly difficult for us,” Barbier added. 

“Of course, there are many unknowns. We don’t know, for example, what conditions the track may be in two years after the last Grand Prix and what temperatures we could find. If very high, they could make the track even more slippery, compromising its already low grip levels. Taking all these aspects into consideration, we decided to tackle this track with our standard compounds, the same ones that last season gave us excellent results and great versatility on very different circuits and in varied conditions,” he said in a statement.

Located in the Santiago del Estero province, the 4.8 km Termas de Río Hondo circuit features 14 corners and is renowned for its abrasive surface and high-speed sections. The combination of rough tarmac, low grip, and potentially high temperatures makes it one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar. Pirelli’s decision to use standard compounds reflects its confidence in the versatility and performance of its tyres, which delivered strong results across diverse circuits last season.