If you read Mat Oxley's columns and Twitter feed you will read that the riders all say that the Michelin tyres require more braking from the rear tyre as they can literally lock the front if they go full braking on the front.
Keeping the back wheel from lifting in the braking zone, and holding the weight towards the rear would seem to be the reason for the "wing" on the swingarm.
My thought is that if it was to cool the tyre they would have incorporated it into the lower fairing panels, but this is attached to the swingarm so has another purpose.
I enjoyed the race, although it was frustratingly close for everyone. And once again Rossi proved that he is a Sunday man!
That's my 2 cents for today.