The Circuit of The Americas (COTA), built in the early 2010s near Austin, Texas, has hosted the MotoGP™ annually since 2013. With a capacity of up to 120,000 spectators, its 5.513 km layout includes 20 corners (9 right and 11 left) and significant elevation changes, including a steep 40-meter climb at the first corner. The track is also known for its 1,200-meter straight, where bikes exceed 350 km/h, and its iconic 49-meter observation tower, located inside Turn 17.
Once again, COTA will host the third round of the season, following the races in Buriram (Thailand) and Termas de Río Hondo (Argentina).
A partially resurfaced but still demanding asphalt
The COTA has recently undergone several resurfacing operations. The affected sections include, in particular, the initial and final parts of the track, with new asphalt laid between Turns 1, 2, 19, and 20, as well as at Turns 11 and 12. These works have helped smooth out the most pronounced irregularities, but the track still retains its bumpy character due to the instability of the ground on which it was built. Additionally, the new dark black asphalt leads to higher track temperatures, which in turn increases tire wear.
To address these challenges, Michelin has carefully selected a tire allocation adapted to the circuit's unique characteristics and recent surface changes.
"We have solid experience at COTA, but this year's partial resurfacing and the varying grip levels across different sections of the circuit introduce new parameters to consider," explains Piero Taramasso, Manager of Michelin's Two-Wheel Motorsport division. "We know the asphalt offers a medium level of aggressiveness, and despite the recent work, the track still presents some irregularities. That's why we've adapted our tire allocation accordingly, while maintaining the same overall balance in terms of stiffness."
The MICHELIN Power Slick tires available at Austin in 2025 are:
Front tires: Three symmetrical compounds (Soft, Medium, and Hard). The Hard front tire has been updated this year with a new rubber compound to better adapt to the circuit’s demands.
Rear tires: Two asymmetrical compounds (Soft and Medium) with a reinforced right side. Despite the counterclockwise layout, this reinforcement is necessary to handle the high stress levels generated by the triple right-hander sequence (Turns 16, 17, and 18).
"We've opted to keep a symmetrical front tire, as the circuit places significant demands on the front without causing excessive wear on one particular side. In contrast, the rear tire features a reinforced right side to better withstand the specific stresses imposed by COTA. Last year, our partners set multiple records on this track, and we're confident that this year's allocation will once again provide them with optimal conditions to perform at the highest level", concludes Piero Taramasso.
Austin's climate is generally dry in March, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F). However, Michelin remains prepared for wet conditions, bringing its MICHELIN Power Rain range: symmetrical Soft and Medium for the front, asymmetrical Soft and Medium, with a reinforced right side, for the rear.
With this carefully tailored allocation, Michelin continues to provide MotoGP™ riders with optimal grip and maximum safety, regardless of the track conditions.
The 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas schedule
The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas 2025 will kick off on Friday, March 28, with the first free practice session (10:45 AM – 11:30 AM, local time). The afternoon session (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) will determine the top 10 riders who will qualify directly for Q2 in the second phase of qualifying.
After a final free practice session on Saturday morning (10:10 AM – 10:40 AM), Q1 will provide two additional riders with a chance to secure a spot in Q2 (11:15 AM – 11:30 AM), which will finalize the weekend's starting grid.
The Tissot Sprint race (10 laps) will take place on Saturday at 3:00 PM, while the Grand Prix (20 laps) is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 PM.
