MotoGP: Michelin confident Honda will help 2008 revival

Michelin believe that Honda’s 2008 RC212V will be competitive enough for the French factory to show the potential of its new tyres next season.

The dire early 2007 performance of Honda’s first 800cc contender hindered development of Michelin’s tyres, and factory rider Dani Pedrosa only claimed two victories in a campaign that fell way short of expectations.

But Michelin boss Jean-Philippe Weber believes the Japanese factory will get it right in 2008.

Michelin will rely on Repsol Honda duo Pedrosa and 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden more than ever to show the potential of its tyres following Valentino Rossi’s controversial move to rivals Bridgestone.

Jean-Philippe Weber told MCN: “I think that the second part of the last season Honda were really progressing quickly and they showed over the last races that the potential of the bike improved a lot.

“Even if the first steps weren’t as good as expected I really do believe that a Honda package will be good next year and we will do our best also to support that factory team in order to get the best results with them.

“I do think they will be competitive and will help us show we are competitive.”