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Marc Marquez and others reflect on hard tyre use at Japanese GP

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 7:36 AM

Last updated Oct 4, 2026

Marc Marquez and others reflect on hard tyre use at Japanese GP

Summary

Marc Marquez and other leading MotoGP riders discussed their missed opportunity to utilize the hard tyre compound during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. They acknowledged that the hard tyre proved to be the best option for the race. Initially, teams dismissed it in favor of the usual soft and medium tyres until issues with the soft tyres emerged during the sprint, prompting Michelin to recommend the hard compound for the main race. Marquez suggested the hard tyre could have enhanced their qualifying performance, while championship leader Jorge Martin expressed regret for not testing it earlier in the weekend.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports Motorsport.com

By the Numbers

•Marc Marquez highlighted the missed potential of the hard tyre for qualifying.
•Teams initially ignored the hard tyre until issues arose with the soft compound.
•Michelin recommended the hard tyre after problems emerged during the sprint.
•Jorge Martin noted improved grip and stability with the hard tyre.
•The hard tyre was only tested during the Sunday warm-up session before the race.

Latest Updates

7:36 AMYahoo Sports — Marc Marquez: 'We could have used the hard tyre for qualifying!'
7:36 AMMotorsport.com — Marc Marquez: 'We could have used the hard tyre for qualifying!'

What they're saying

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Leading MotoGP riders have admitted they missed a trick by not trying the hard tyre earlier in the Japanese GP weekend - given that it proved to be by far the best option for the race. Some, including winner Marc Marquez, even went so far as to suggest the hard tyre would have been the best for qualifying laps. The hard tyre, with its reinforced casing, was only considered a contingency ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com