Which riders received tire pressure penalties in the 2026 MotoGP season and what the minimum pressure rule entails – all the info explained concisely
The system for monitoring the prescribed minimum air pressure in the front tire of MotoGP bikes will enter its fourth year in 2026, although this will be the third year in which penalties are imposed for violations of the regulations.
MotoGP tire supplier Michelin introduced this rule in response to the increased load on the front tire caused by developments in aerodynamics and ride-height systems. If the tire pressure falls below the prescribed level, mechanical grip increases temporarily—especially during braking and cornering. But the downside is risky: in extreme cases, tire pressure that is too low can lead to structural damage in the tire.
This is exactly where the rule comes into play: the prescribed minimum pressure in the front tire is 1.80 bar by default. Track-specific adjustments may prompt Michelin engineers to raise the minimum value.
Every MotoGP bike is equipped with standardized tire pressure sensors that record data in real time. The teams have no way to manipulate these measurement systems or bypass them with their own calibrations.
Race control receives the data in real time. If any anomalies are detected, officials will inspect the sensors, calibration, and data on the relevant motorcycle after the race. Only then will a penalty potentially be imposed.
The rule stipulates that the minimum front-tire pressure must be maintained for a minimum duration during the race: 60 percent of the total distance in the main race (Grand Prix), 30 percent in the Sprint.
This presents a delicate balancing act for the teams. A rider starting from the front row with a clear track must plan for a higher initial pressure, as the heat from a motorcycle ahead may not be present to increase the pressure in the tire.
Conversely, a rider riding in the pack can take greater risks with a lower starting pressure—but must be careful that the pressure does not fall below the critical threshold for too long during the race and does not rise too sharply, to avoid performance issues.
Since 2024, time penalties have been imposed if a rider completes too many laps below the prescribed minimum duration: 16 seconds in the main race and 8 seconds in the sprint. These values are chosen to have a significant impact on the race result.
