Why did the drivers use rain tires in the dry during the Warm Up?

This Sunday morning at Le Mans, most of the drivers took to the track on rain tires during the Warm Up for the French Grand Prix. MotoGP, even though the asphalt was dry. Each rider completed the equivalent of approximately three laps with this set of tires – including out-and-back laps – before returning to the pits to mount a motorcycle equipped with slicks and rejoin the track on the Bugatti circuit.

While this choice may seem surprising, it actually stems from a strategic rationale: anticipating the risk of rain during the race, scheduled for 14:00 PM this Sunday at Le Mans. If rain were to fall during the event, as was the case last year, the riders would have to return to the pits to change motorcycles. They would then be much better off using already broken-in rain tires rather than brand new ones.

50% of MotoGP races at Le Mans take place in the rain

On a circuit that has been affected by rain twelve times in twenty-four editions in the modern era of MotoGP (since 2002), and where the thirteenth wet race could well occur this Sunday, taking the time to break in a set of rain tires is far from insignificant. The weather proved them right a few minutes later, as it began to rain on the Bugatti circuit at the end of the Warm Up. In a few moments, the track became soaked, before the clouds dissipated again. However, the forecast predicts a possible return of rain during the race, while the Moto3 race, scheduled to start at 11:00 AM, has been declared wet.

In 2025, these conditions led Johann Zarco (Honda LCR) to victory on home soil after a completely crazy race. A performance – despite him being the most comfortable rider in these conditions this Sunday – that will be difficult for him to repeat given the unpredictable nature of these races. We'll find out in a few hours…

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