For the second year in a row, Michelin lends its name to one of the most anticipated events of the MotoGP™ season: the MICHELIN Grand Prix of France 2025, round six of the calendar, held at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans. This partnership, established in 2024 for a three-year period, reinforces the historic bond between Michelin and France, and more specifically the city of Le Mans, where the Clermont-Ferrand brand has etched its name in some of the most prestigious chapters in motorsport history. The 2025 edition of the MICHELIN Grand Prix of France is already shaping up to be a major event, with a significant increase in attendance expected, fueled by the surge in enthusiasm following Fabio Quartararo's (Yamaha Monster Energy) brilliant performance in Jerez just over a week ago.
The 4.185 km-long Bugatti Circuit is known for its stop-and-go nature, alternating between heavy braking and strong acceleration. Its technical profile, with nine right-hand turns and five left-handers, puts considerable stress on the rear tire, especially on the right side. However, due to its relatively smooth asphalt and moderate overall demands, Michelin has opted for a Soft-focused tire allocation—the softest of the season. This offers riders quick warm-up and immediate performance, which is essential given the expected spring temperatures, unlikely to exceed 22°C.
The 2025 allocation retains the configuration successfully introduced last year: MICHELIN Power Slick front tires are available in three symmetric specifications (Soft, Medium, and Hard), while the rear tire comes in two asymmetric options, Soft and Medium, reinforced on the right side to handle the specific stress of the layout.
In the event of rain, MICHELIN Power Rain tires—also available in Soft and Medium compounds—will follow the same asymmetric configuration at the rear.
"The Le Mans Circuit is an exciting challenge for technical teams. It's not the most demanding track, but it requires consistent grip to allow riders to maintain a steady pace throughout the race without losing reference points. One of the performance keys here is the ability to adapt to temperatures that can vary significantly between morning and afternoon. We chose to bring exactly the same allocation as in 2024, because it delivered excellent results both in performance and safety. The data we collected show that the Soft-focused allocation allows riders to push from the outset, which is crucial on a track where gaps form in the early laps. The atmosphere at Le Mans is unique, with an exceptional crowd passion, and we want to continue delivering top-level racing, powered by the best technologies. This is also true in MotoE, which begins its season this weekend, featuring a new range of tires with a very high percentage of renewable and recycled materials, and bearing the Race to Vision design," explains Piero Taramasso, Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager at Michelin.
The event at Le Mans will also mark the opening of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship season, with the first two races held on Saturday. Michelin, the exclusive tire supplier for this electric category, will unveil a new range incorporating record levels of renewable and recycled materials: 58% for the front tire and 56% for the rear. For the first time, the front tire features the ephemeral Race to Vision design—a visual signature symbolizing Michelin's commitment to more sustainable mobility. These technological advancements, developed in MotoE, are gradually being extended across Michelin Motorsport's broader activities, and more generally to Michelin's consumer tire lines.
True to its mission of using motorsports as an innovation accelerator, Michelin continues to explore solutions that combine performance, safety, and environmental responsibility. The MICHELIN Grand Prix of France 2025 is a new, concrete demonstration of this commitment: a world-class sporting event held on home soil, perfectly embodying the capacity of a French manufacturer to unite passion, expertise, and sustainable innovation.
The action kicks off on Friday, May 9 with a free practice session and the Practice, which allows the 10 fastest riders to advance directly to the second qualifying phase (Q2). After the Saturday morning free practice, Q1 will offer a second chance for two more riders to qualify for Q2, which will then determine the weekend's starting grid. The Sprint Race (13 laps) will take place on Saturday at 3:00 PM, and the MICHELIN Grand Prix of France (27 laps) will begin on Sunday, May 11 at 2:00 PM.
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