Unlike what we’re used to seeing, the fast lap times weren’t just being set on a soft rear. A lot of the riders were using the hard-rear Michelin compound, with Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager Piero Taramasso saying: “The hard rear tyre gives you more stability, the rear is more stable, it gives you more confidence and you can push more. The soft one is also designed for lower temperatures, the hard is designed for higher temperatures, this is the situation for the afternoon.” Riders such as Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Viñales were doing personal best lap times on the hard-rear, Mir went to P5 with less than ten minutes to go, with Viñales going above Marquez’ Friday time on the same tyre.

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