Pirelli soft and medium compounds for Qatar’s demanding asphalt

· A unique date on the calendar. The MotoGP™ World Championship heads to the Qatar Grand Prix, the only night race on the calendar and the championship’s final overseas trip of the season. The series returns to the Lusail International Circuit this weekend, where Pirelli made its debut as Official Tyre Supplier to Moto2™ and Moto3™ in 2024. Built in a desert area around 20 kilometres from the capital, Doha, the circuit presents a significant challenge for tyres because of its asphalt and other environmental factors. The surface, which was completely resurfaced in 2023, is very smooth yet highly abrasive. Sand blown onto the track by the wind also makes the surface rougher and can compromise grip, increasing tyre wear. In addition, temperature variations between afternoon and evening sessions require teams to continually adapt their bike set-ups.
 
· The same solutions as in 2025, but with a new SC0. The circuit’s characteristics and the data collected over the previous two editions have led Pirelli to confirm the same solutions used in 2025 for both classes, although last year’s Grand Prix took place in April. In Moto2™, the front allocation will comprise the soft SC1 and medium SC2, both of which were used last year in practice and in the races. The choice between the two will depend on track conditions, riding style and bike set-up. At the rear, riders will be able to choose between the soft SC0 and medium SC1, with the soft SC0 now available in its 2026 standard-range version. In Moto3™, Pirelli will supply the soft SC1 and medium SC2 for both the front and rear. Throughout the season, both solutions have demonstrated their competitiveness, allowing riders to adopt different strategies, including in the battle for the podium.
 
· A look back at 2025. In last year’s Moto2™ race, won by Aron Canet, all riders used the soft SC0 at the rear, while most opted for the soft SC1 at the front. In the Moto3™ class, all riders chose the SC2 rear, while front-tyre preferences were more varied. Race winner Ángel Piqueras (KTM) and third-place finisher Ryusei Yamanaka (KTM) opted for the SC2, while Taiyo Furusato (Honda), who finished second after a remarkable comeback, chose the SC1.

At Lusail, finding the right balance between grip and wear is crucial
 
“Lusail is a distinctive circuit, not only because the races take place at night, but because sand from the surrounding desert, carried onto the track by the wind, can significantly reduce grip, while temperature variations between sessions and rising humidity as night falls can change track conditions and affect tyre wear. In these circumstances, it is essential for teams to progressively adapt their set-ups as the circuit evolves, while riders must manage their tyres effectively throughout the different stages of the race to preserve performance as much as possible until the closing laps.
The decision to confirm the standard-range solutions used in 2025 was based on the data collected and the results achieved last year, when we recorded significant progress, particularly in Moto2™, both over a single lap and in race pace. At the rear, the soft SC0 could be the benchmark solution. It will be interesting to see whether the new 2026 standard-range version offers riders any advantages over the one used in 2025. The medium SC1 could be a valid alternative if temperatures are significantly lower, especially as this year’s race takes place in November rather than the traditional April slot.
The front-tyre choice will be equally important, as this circuit places considerable demands on the front. The decision between the SC1 and SC2 will depend on the riders’ styles and the bikes’ set-ups”.