.: Press Release – Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas 2025

Press Release

The MICHELIN Power range showcases its versatility during a demanding weekend in Austin

• The 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas put the MICHELIN tire ranges to the test over three days of changing weather conditions and evolving grip levels.
• Riders adapted their tire choices between rain, drying track, and fully dry conditions – highlighting the performance and versatility of the MICHELIN Power Slick and Power Rain ranges.
• Despite tricky track conditions, Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) set a new fastest race lap record with a time of 2'02.221.

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), host of the third round of the 2025 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, delivered a spectacular weekend, blending unstable weather, large crowds, and high-level performances. Faced with a wide range of conditions, the full MICHELIN range – from Power Rain to Power Slick – was successfully put to use.

Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) dominated the first part of the Texan weekend by setting the pace. After taking pole position just three tenths off the circuit’s absolute record, he went on to dominate the Tissot Sprint ahead of his brother Álex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

On Sunday, during the Grand Prix, Marc Márquez got off to an excellent start and strung together fast laps, setting a new race lap record in the process. But just as he seemed untouchable, he crashed, clearing the way for Francesco Bagnaia to claim his first victory of the season. Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) completed the podium.

Friday: Rain in the morning, gradually drying track in the afternoon

Free Practice 1 started on a wet track with ground temperatures around 20°C. All riders used MICHELIN Power Rain Soft tires front and rear. In the afternoon, the asphalt began to dry, and riders gradually switched to Power Slick Soft tires for the Practice session. Some, like Marco Bezzecchi or Fermín Aldeguer, even opted for a Medium rear tire as temperatures rose to 25°C.

"The grip level turned out to be more consistent than expected despite the partial resurfacing of the track. It was an encouraging sign for the rest of the weekend, allowing riders to explore several options from Friday onwards," explained Piero Taramasso, Manager of Two-Wheel Racing at Michelin.

Saturday: Tight qualifying and intense Tissot Sprint

Saturday was run in dry but variable conditions. During Free Practice 2, all riders opted for the MICHELIN Power Slick Medium at the front, alternating between Soft and Medium at the rear to prepare for both the Tissot Sprint and the Grand Prix.

Qualifying was fiercely contested, and despite a track still damp in places, Marc Márquez secured pole position just three tenths off the absolute lap record.

The 10-lap Tissot Sprint delivered a thrilling and action-packed race. Most riders used a Medium front / Soft rear combination, while Johann Zarco stood out by choosing a Medium rear. Marc Márquez claimed victory ahead of his brother Álex and teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

"Lap times were fast and consistent during the sprint race. The tires demonstrated great reliability, even with limited prior dry running," noted Piero Taramasso.

Sunday: Delayed start due to intermittent rain

The start of the Grand Prix was delayed by Race Direction to allow riders to fit MICHELIN Power Slicks, using different strategies on a drying track following midday rain. After an initial procedure was interrupted, the race eventually got underway at 2:15 p.m. and was shortened by one lap, from 20 to 19 laps.

Starting from pole, Marc Márquez once again set a fast and consistent pace. After recording the new fastest lap in 2’02.221, he unfortunately crashed. Francesco Bagnaia seized the opportunity to take his first win of the season, ahead of Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

"Riders adopted different tire strategies during the race. While most of the field opted for Medium tires both front and rear, several riders chose the Soft compound – some only at the rear, others at both ends. The entire MICHELIN Power Slick range delivered outstanding performance and consistency, even in such demanding conditions over the 19 laps of the Grand Prix. With a weekend marked by alternating rain, drying track, and dry conditions, Michelin once again demonstrated the strength and reliability of its range, providing riders with grip, consistency, and confidence – regardless of the weather or track demands," concluded Piero Taramasso.

The next round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship will take place from April 11 to 13, 2025, in Qatar. Action will unfold at the Lusail International Circuit, known for its particularly abrasive surface.

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences.

Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.

Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.

Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.

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