A new-look Motegi presents a fresh challenge for Pirelli

· Motegi's great unknown. The Grand Prix of Japan, which opens the Asian leg of the World Championship, will take place at a Mobility Resort Motegi that was completely resurfaced between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The lack of data and references for the new surface represents the main variable of the weekend for Pirelli, the teams and the riders. Against this backdrop, Pirelli has chosen to confirm the 2025 allocation for both classes. In Moto2™, the supersoft SCX and soft SC0, the two softest compounds in the range, will be available for the rear. Although the allocation is unchanged, both solutions are new compared with last year: the SCX is derived from development specification E0126, which was promoted in 2026 to become the new standard supersoft after the excellent feedback gathered in last season's races, while the SC0 corresponds to the previous E0125 development specification. The latter could represent a valid alternative should the new asphalt generate higher wear levels or temperatures prove particularly low.

· A stop-and-go circuit. Mobility Resort Motegi is considered, together with the Red Bull Ring and Buriram, one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar in terms of braking. The Japanese track features a stop-and-go layout that combines heavy deceleration, low-speed corners and acceleration zones where traction and stability on corner exit play a decisive role. In previous seasons, the asphalt was characterised by relatively low grip levels and limited tyre wear; this year, however, teams and riders will have to contend with a completely new surface whose characteristics have yet to be assessed. From the opening sessions, it will therefore be essential to analyse its grip and abrasiveness in order to identify the best set-up and the most effective compounds. Weather conditions could also play an important role, with potentially low temperatures during the morning sessions and the possibility of rain over the course of the weekend.

· Soft and medium for Moto3™. Moto3™ riders will have the soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds available for both the front and rear, two solutions that have demonstrated competitive performance and a broad range of strategic options in the most recent races. At the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, every rider opted for the SC1 at the rear, while front tyre choices were evenly split between the SC1 and SC2. The medium SC2 proved particularly effective in the race, equipping all three riders on the podium in the race won by Spain's David Muñoz on a KTM.