The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), located in Austin (Texas), has hosted MotoGP™ since 2013. Measuring 5.513 km, it features 20 corners (11 left and 9 right), a spectacular elevation change with a 40-metre climb into Turn 1, and a straight of over 1,200 metres where speeds exceed 350 km/h.
The third round of the 2026 season, following Buriram (Thailand) and Goiânia (Brazil), the Texan track presents a unique challenge for tyres due to its mechanical demands and the complexity of its surface.
An optimized and proven allocation
At the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, Michelin will apply its new 2026 philosophy, with a tyre allocation reduced to two compound choices at both the front and rear, but with a greater number of tyres available per front specification.
- Front tyres: two symmetric specifications (Soft and Medium).
- Rear tyres: two asymmetric specifications (Soft and Medium), with a reinforced right-hand side to meet the circuit's specific demands.
This selection is based on the excellent performance observed in 2025, while adapting to the reduced number of available specifications.
An atypical circuit with multiple constraints
The Circuit of the Americas stands out not only for its anti-clockwise layout, but also for its unusual distribution of stress. Despite a majority of left-hand corners, certain right-hand sections generate the highest loads.
The fast sequence of Turns 16, 17 and 18 places significant stress on the right shoulder of the rear tyre, justifying the use of an asymmetric tread.
Another major challenge lies in the high variability of the track surface. The circuit combines different asphalt sections, offering varying levels of grip and abrasiveness. Some areas have also been treated, with "micro-grooves" artificially engraved into the surface to increase grip—enhancing performance but accelerating tyre wear.
These factors are compounded by often high track temperatures, which can reach around 50°C, further increasing thermal and mechanical stress on the tyres.
Piero Taramasso, Two-Wheel Motorsport Competition Manager, Michelin Motorsport
"We arrive in Austin with a strong knowledge of the circuit and of the solutions we validated last year with very good performance. As part of the new 2026 philosophy, we have simplified our allocation by keeping Soft and Medium tyres at both the front and rear, removing the Hard specification that was available for the front in 2025.
The front tyres remain symmetric, and they are heavily stressed on this circuit—probably more than at many other venues on the calendar. At the rear, we have maintained an asymmetric tread with a reinforced right-hand side.
The key point in Austin is the diversity of surfaces. The circuit features several types of asphalt, with varying levels of grip and abrasiveness. The treated areas designed to increase grip significantly accelerate tyre wear.
Finally, track temperatures, often around 50°C, add an extra constraint. In this context, tyre management will be essential throughout the weekend, both in the Tissot Sprint and in the race. We are confident in our allocation and believe it will allow our partners to fully express their potential."
As at every Grand Prix, Michelin will also provide its MICHELIN Power Rain range for wet conditions: symmetric Soft and Medium tyres at the front, and two asymmetric Soft and Medium tyres at the rear with a harder right-hand side.
Schedule for the 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas
The 2026 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas will begin on Friday, March 27, with the first Free Practice session in the morning and Practice in the afternoon.
On Saturday, March 28, after a second Free Practice session in the morning, Qualifying will take place in two phases—Q1 and Q2—from 10:50 to 11:30.
The Tissot Sprint (10 laps) will start at 15:00.
The Grand Prix (19 laps) will take place on Sunday, March 29 at 15:00 (local time).
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