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Michelin Becomes Title Sponsor of the Australian GP

Michelin reveals that they are the new Title Sponsor for the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for October 23. The French manufacturer thus replaces watchmakers Tissot as Title Sponsor of one of the most thrilling rounds in the MotoGP calendar.
Michelin Becomes Title Sponsor of the Australian GP 1 photo
Photo: motogp.com
Last year, the Australian GP was one of exceptional effervescence and many MotoGP enthusiasts agreed that it was the race of the decade, if not even the most thrilling race in the last 20-30 years. In 2015, no less than four riders battled hard for the podium.

We remind you that Andrea Iannone hit a seagull (Lorenzo did so, too, in the past) in the early laps, but this did not prevent him from clawing the third position on the podium, ahead of Rossi. Alongside the two, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez also fought for victory, but the younger Spaniard prevailed.

A thrilling circuit layout guarantees exceptional races

The Phillip Island circuit is located just south of Melbourne, on the island that also gave its name, and is one of the most scenic race locations in the entire championship.

Also, the Australian raceway is highly stressful for both riders and machines, with speeds that can reach around 350 km/h (217 mph) down the straight line and corners that put tires to brutal tests.

MotoGP action returns to Phillip Island tomorrow, for the second IRTA test of the pre-season. Of all the manufacturers, only Aprilia will miss the Australian test, having booked the Losail circuit in Qatar to put their all-new RS-GP through its paces.

Michelin is still investigating the conditions that led to Loris Baz' crash at Sepang

Talking to motogp.com, Michelin R Technical Director Nicolas Goubert says that the French tire manufacturer is still investigating what led to the high-speed crash of Loris Baz. “We still haven’t got the results, these things take time, and we will have to wait until the Qatar test to find out,” Goubert says. He also adds that Michelin supports the introduction of tire pressure sensors in MotoGP: “We are totally in favour. You cannot make compromises with tyre pressure control as it a matter of safety. It is great that the GPC have implemented this rule so quickly.

Stay tuned for more info on the Phillip Island IRTA test that starts tomorrow.
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