COTA’s 2025 Americas MotoGP was able to start in tricky states with weather forecasts that predict a 75% chance of rain on Friday morning.
Luckily, there is a 20% chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday, and we expect the weather to improve as Mark Marquez extends his unbeaten run in 2025 and secures his eighth MotoGP victory at the Texas Circuit.
However, the weather is not known as COTA completed the “final phase” of its latest resurfacing project last September.
According to Michelin, the new asphalt was laid between 1-2 turns and 19-20, and was laid on 11 and 12 turns.
This work helped smooth out some of the infamous uplifts of the circuit, but the irregularities remained due to instability in the ground under the track.
Additionally, dark asphalt absorbs more heat, leading to increased truck temperatures and increased tire wear.
Start, 2024 Americas Motogp
“We have solid experience with COTA, but the partial resurfacement this year and the different grip levels in different sections of the circuit introduce new parameters to consider.”
“We know that asphalt offers moderate aggression. Despite recent work, the truck still presents some irregularities, so we adapt tire allocations accordingly and maintain the same overall balance in terms of stiffness.”
As a result, Michelin has updated its Hard Front Slick option with new rubber compounds.
Meanwhile, the two rear tire options feature a reinforced right-hand side despite the anti-rock-directional layout of the track, due to the forces generated by the triple-light sequences of turns 16, 17, and 18.
“We chose to maintain a symmetric (composite) front tire because the circuit places important requirements on the front without causing excessive wear on certain sides,” Taramaso said.
“In contrast, the rear tire has a reinforced right side to well withstand certain stresses imposed by COTA.
“Last year, our partners set multiple records for this track. We are confident that this year’s allocation will once again provide the best conditions to run at the highest level.”
If the rain arrived on Friday morning, the afternoon practice session (riders fight for in-person location in Qualifying 2) allowed us to see the first smooth lap of the weekend.
Ducati experienced the only Grand Prix defeat of the 2024 season at Kota last year, when Maverick Venares ruled over Aprilia.