Which riders received tyre pressure penalties in the 2026 MotoGP season and what the minimum pressure rule entails – all the information explained in a nutshell
The system for monitoring the prescribed minimum air pressure in the front tyre of MotoGP bikes will enter its fourth year in 2026, although this is the third year in which penalties have been imposed for breaches of the regulations.
MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin introduced this measure in response to the increased load on the front tyre resulting from developments in aerodynamics and ride-height systems. If the tyre pressure falls below the prescribed level, mechanical grip increases in the short term – particularly during braking and when cornering. However, there is a risky downside: in extreme cases, tyre pressure that is too low can lead to structural damage to the tyre.
This is precisely where the rule comes into play: the prescribed minimum pressure for the front tyre is set at 1.80 bar as standard. Track-specific adjustments may prompt the Michelin engineers to raise the minimum value.
Every MotoGP bike is fitted with standardised tyre pressure sensors that record data in real time. The teams have no way of manipulating these measurement systems or circumventing them through their own calibrations.
Race control receives the data in real time. Should any anomalies arise, the sensors, the calibration and the data are checked by officials on the relevant motorcycle after the race has finished. Only then might a penalty be imposed.
The rule stipulates that the minimum pressure in the front tyre must be maintained for a minimum duration during the race: 60 per cent of the total distance in the main race (Grand Prix), 30 per cent in the sprint.
This presents a delicate balancing act for the teams. A rider starting from the front row with a clear run must factor in a higher initial pressure, as the heat from a leading motorbike may not be present to increase the pressure in the tyre.
Conversely, a rider riding in the pack can take greater risks with a lower starting pressure – but must ensure that the pressure does not fall below the critical threshold for too long during the race, nor rise too sharply, in order 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 have been chosen to have a significant impact on the race result.