Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia was heading for a double podium finish in Malaysia before his unfortunate retirement from the Grand Prix on Sunday, and Michelin chief Piero Taramasso has outlined the ‘impossible to foresee’ issue that caused it.
With just three laps until the chequered flag at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the MotoGP world let out a collective groan as Bagnaia eased off from the racing line and eased up as he obviously nursed an issue with his Ducati GP25.
The Italian rider, who has struggled immensely throughout the current campaign, appeared to have found his rhythm in Malaysia after taking pole position and winning the Sprint race the day prior.
MotoGP fans were united in their sorrows for Bagnaia after he was forced to retire from the race due to a puncture, which marked his third consecutive DNF classification from the last three Grands Prix.
READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia finally admits the ‘weak point’ that may explain his 2025 Ducati crisis
Michelin chief reveals the reason for Francesco Bagnaia’s ‘unfortunate’ retirement in Malaysia
Bagnaia has voiced his frustrations with Michelin’s rear tyres in the past, highlighting the extensive warm-up phases required for the factory Ducati rider to reach the optimal working window.
However, the issue that saw him return to the pits before taking the chequered flag was something else, according to the technical team at the French tyre suppliers.
Speaking to DAZN following a substantial investigation into the root cause of Bagnaia’s puncture, Michelin boss Taramasso said, via Motosan, “We found a large hole in the centre of the tyre, probably caused by a sharp piece of carbon that was on the track.
“I can’t remember the last time something like this happened, maybe last year with a damaged valve, but this is different.
“Here, everything points to a piece of carbon penetrating the rubber. Although the tyre’s construction is very robust, carbon can be very sharp, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Taramasso also highlighted how unfortunate it was for Bagnaia to suffer from such an issue that can’t be properly managed in the grand scheme of things.
“It’s unfortunate because Pecco was managing the rear tyre well, trying to push and conserve at the same time,” Taramasso added.
“When he had finished that management, this happened. It was pure bad luck. An exceptional case not due to a tyre failure, but to external damage that was impossible to foresee.”
READ MORE: Alex Marquez admits he made a ‘mistake’ while battling Francesco Bagnaia at the Malaysian Grand Prix
Pirelli are set to take over from Michelin as MotoGP’s tyre supplier in 2027
With MotoGP entering its new era of regulations in 2027, the grid will also see the official tyre supplier of the premier class also changing, with Pirelli set to take the reins from Michelin.
The French tyre manufacturer has been the sole supplier of rubber to MotoGP teams since the start of the 2016 season, so the change marks quite a significant shift for everyone on the grid as their previous tyre data heads in the direction of becoming redundant.
2025 title-winner Marc Marquez has admitted to his hesitancy over the switch, highlighting the adaptation period that comes with a change in tyre suppliers.
The 32-year-old is one of the few riders still on the grid who experienced the previous tyre change from Bridgestone, and noted that some ‘strange’ crashes were caused by it at the start of Michelin’s tenure.
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