New tyres in qualifying on the Rotax: rules and how to use them
Updated: Oct 23
In the Rotax MAX Challenge qualifying is not just the fast lap: with new tyres you decide the grid and start using the set that must last until the final. Here is what the Rotax regulation says about tyres and how to make the most of the new set.
In short In Rotax MAX Challenge races, from qualifying to the final, you may use at most one set of dry tyres and one set of wet tyres: the new tyres from qualifying are the ones for the final. Senior MAX and DD2 use Mojo D5 dry tyres, Junior the Mojo D2XX, Micro and Mini the Mojo C2; in the wet Mojo W5 or CW. Any modification or treatment of the tyres is forbidden, and they must be fitted respecting the direction of rotation.
New tyres in qualifying: why they matter so much
For each Rotax MAX Challenge event the regulation sets the maximum amount of equipment: from qualifying to the final one set of dry tyres and one set of wet tyres. This means the new set you fit for qualifying must also do the heats and the final.
If a race tyre is damaged, the technical scrutineer may allow you to replace it with a used tyre of similar wear, taken from the registered practice tyres. The damage must be reported to the scrutineer immediately after the session in which it happened.
Which tyres for each Rotax class
• Senior MAX, Masters and DD2: dry Mojo D5 CIK Prime, front 4.5/10.0-5 and rear 7.1/11.0-5.
• Junior MAX: dry Mojo D2XX CIK Option, with the same sizes.
• Micro MAX and Mini MAX: dry Mojo C2 CIK Mini, front 4.0/10.0-5 and rear 5.0/11.0-5; wet Mojo CW.
• Wet for Junior, Senior and DD2: Mojo W5 CIK, front 10x4.50-5 and rear 11x6.00-5. How to drive in the wet is explained in the guide to karting in the wet.
The tyre rules in the Rotax MAX Challenge
• No treatment: any modification or treatment of the tyres is forbidden. For checks Rotax recommends the Mini-RAE-Lite device, with a recommended maximum threshold of 4 ppm.
• Direction of rotation: tyres must be fitted respecting the direction of rotation shown on the tyre.
• One set per event: one dry set and one wet set from qualifying to the final.
• Damaged tyre: it may only be replaced with the technical scrutineer's permission, with a used tyre of similar wear from the registered practice tyres.
How to prepare qualifying on new tyres
• Fitting and pressures: check the cold pressures before going on track with an accurate gauge, such as the Alfano Tyrecontrol TJR2 gauge. Why pressure changes grip and handling is explained in the guide to tyre pressure.
• Bring them up to temperature progressively: new tyres must be warmed up step by step. The first laps are for bringing them up to temperature without making them slide.
• Find space: look for a clear stretch of track for the fast lap, without karts ahead costing you time.
• Do not make them slide: every slide wears the set you need until the final.
Pressures and management of the Mojo tyres on the Rotax are in the guide to Mojo D5 tyres. How to use a gauge and pyrometer is in the article on the pressure gauge and pyrometer.
After qualifying: make the set last until the final
After qualifying check the pressures again and look at the tyre wear: it tells you whether pressures and setup are working well. How to read it is explained in the guide to tyre wear. Drive cleanly in the heats: the same set must reach the final.
Genuine Mojo tyres for the Rotax
As an official authorised Rotax dealer we handle the Mojo tyres required by the regulation for each class. If you are unsure which your engine needs, message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How many sets of tyres can you use in a Rotax race?
In the Rotax MAX Challenge, from qualifying to the final, you may use at most one set of dry tyres and one set of wet tyres per event.
Can you treat tyres in the Rotax?
No. The regulation forbids any modification or treatment of the tyres. For checks Rotax recommends the Mini-RAE-Lite device with a maximum threshold of 4 ppm.
Which tyres are used on the Rotax Senior and DD2?
In the dry the Mojo D5 CIK Prime, front 4.5/10.0-5 and rear 7.1/11.0-5. In the wet the Mojo W5 CIK.
Source: Rotax MAX Challenge 2026 global technical regulations (sections 1.2 and 2.7).
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Read also: Mojo D5 tyres on the Rotax MAX: pressures and wear → · Karting tyre pressure → · Kart tyre wear: how to read it →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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