Puig hits back at Michelin MotoGP chief over Indonesia tyre comments

After the standard 2022 tyres suffered blistering in February’s pre-season test at the Mandalika circuit due to the extreme heat, Michelin elected to bring a stiffer tyre construction not used since 2018.

While most felt the older tyre design generally offered less grip, these problems affected Honda – who topped the Mandalika test on the standard tyre – the most.

Pol Espargaro was worried he wouldn’t be able to finish the race due to the stress being put on the front tyre as a result of his lack of rear grip, while Marc Marquez suffered a horrifying highside in the warm-up session which ruled him out of the race and has led to more double vision problems.

After the race, Puig said Honda had to understand what went on with Michelin – though the latter insisted “there was no problem” with the tyres in Indonesia and suggested Honda simply didn’t know how to get it to work.

In a lengthy statement issued to Autosport from Honda, Puig feels Michelin boss Piero Taramasso’s comments were “not necessary”.

“Well, speaking frankly, and in my personal and own opinion – I am not very surprised,” Puig said of Taramasso’s comments.

“In my last Track Report, I only mentioned that we would have to analyse the situation with Michelin – that’s all.

“And we see how Mr Taramasso reacted when prompted by the media - it was not necessary at all...

“It’s a bit strange when he says, in a polite way of course, that Honda doesn’t know how to adapt.

“Honda has been adapting to many technical changes, including different regulations, tyres, engine sizes, classes, etc. etc. since the beginning of the world championship series back in 1966 and it has been the longest lasting and most successful company in GP history with 25 premier class constructor