The 2026 Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalunya, the sixth round of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, delivered an especially intense weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Between low grip levels, changing temperatures, race incidents and multiple starts, MICHELIN Power Slick tyres were subjected to an exceptionally wide range of demands throughout the three days of competition.
As early as Friday, Michelin had identified the main challenges of the Catalan circuit: a very “green” and slippery track surface that made tyre warm-up particularly difficult. In these cool conditions, riders mostly began the weekend using a Soft front / Medium rear combination in order to preserve their allocation of Soft rear tyres. The gradual improvement in track conditions during the afternoon then allowed teams to work more effectively on their set-ups.
On Saturday, despite more favourable weather conditions, air temperatures remained relatively low, maintaining limited grip levels. The Medium front / Soft rear combination quickly emerged as the reference solution for the Tissot Sprint, offering greater braking stability together with excellent mechanical grip.
The day was also marked by an outstanding performance from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who set a new circuit top speed record of 363.6 km/h during Q2.
For the Grand Prix, held on Sunday under clear skies with air temperatures of 24°C and track temperatures reaching 32°C, the entire field selected the Medium front / Medium rear combination. More durable against the wheelspin generated by the circuit’s low grip level, the Medium rear tyre proved to be the most suitable solution over race distance.
The 2026 Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalunya quickly turned into a dramatic contest. Starting from the lead, Pedro Acosta had to contend with the charge of Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), before Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) also joined the battle at the front.
After eleven laps, a spectacular incident involving Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez led to a red-flag interruption. The Grand Prix was then marked by two additional starting procedures following a second red flag triggered at the very first corner of the restart.
From the very first restart, the majority of riders switched to a Soft rear tyre instead of the Medium in order to optimise grip and traction over the remaining distance of the race.
At the end of a fiercely contested final phase, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) claimed victory. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the podium.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Competition Manager:
“This weekend in Barcelona once again confirmed just how complex this circuit is. From Friday onwards, we encountered very low grip levels, a ‘green’ track after the rain and cool temperatures that made tyre warm-up particularly challenging.
“The conditions then gradually evolved and teams were able to refine their set-ups. The Medium front combined with the Soft rear became the preferred choice for the Tissot Sprint, while the entire field selected the Medium front and Medium rear combination for the race. The majority of riders then returned to Saturday’s configuration, with a Soft rear tyre, following the very first neutralisation.
“Despite these very particular circumstances and the frightening moments involving Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco, we witnessed an extremely high level of performance throughout the weekend, including a new top speed record set by Pedro Acosta at more than 363 km/h. This once again demonstrates Michelin tyres’ ability to deliver grip, stability and performance on a circuit as demanding as Barcelona.”
The next Grand Prix of the 2026 MotoGP season will take place in Italy at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, where the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy will be held from May 29 to 31, 2026.
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