Sports · Motorsport · 3 hrs ago
MotoGP riders report crumbling asphalt at Sepang
MotoGP riders found crumbling asphalt at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia during Friday practice before the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The track was due to be resurfaced this year, but the work was delayed for unforeseen reasons.
Riders said loose pieces of asphalt were hitting them, and at least one suffered minor bruises.
Several sections were described as borderline and unsafe, though riders differed on how much worse the surface was than before.
The debris could pose a risk, especially to riders starting behind others, who may be hit by stones during braking.
There is no fix expected this weekend, so riders said they would have to adapt to the conditions.
Alex Marquez said he hoped the track would be resurfaced next year.
MotoGP riders reported that loose, crumbling asphalt at Sepang was striking them during practice ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
At least one rider suffered minor bruises, and Luca Marini said a loose stone caused radiator damage to his bike.
The circuit was due to be resurfaced before this year’s race, but the work was delayed.
The Race reported that this month’s Formula 1 event and subsequent work on the straights further worsened the surface.
Some riders described sections as borderline unsafe, while Alex and Marc Marquez said the condition was not significantly worse than before.
- Who
- MotoGP riders, including Luca Marini, Fabio Di Giannantonio and the Marquez brothers.
- What
- Riders reported crumbling asphalt and loose stones at Sepang, with some saying debris hit them and their bikes.
- When
- Ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, after Friday’s opening two practice sessions.
- Where
- Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia.
- Why
- The track was due for resurfacing, but the work was delayed. The Race reported that the Formula 1 event and work to plane the straights further damaged the surface.
Riders describing serious surface problems
Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez
Surface condition
Riders describing serious surface problems
Luca Marini called the tarmac completely destroyed, and Fabio Di Giannantonio said it was like a motocross track.
Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez
Alex Marquez said it was much as it had been last year, while Marc Marquez said it was not worse than at the test.
Safety
Riders describing serious surface problems
Some riders described sections as borderline dangerous or unsafe and reported being struck by stones.
Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez stopped short of describing the conditions as dangerous.
Sepang hosted the first pre-season test of the season, giving riders a comparison point for the track surface.
The circuit hosted a replacement Formula 1 race billed as the Bahrain Grand Prix, according to The Race.
Riders reported loose asphalt and stones during the opening two MotoGP practice sessions.
- Circuit
- Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
- Race
- Malaysian Grand Prix
- Resurfacing
- Planned before this year’s MotoGP event but delayed
- Affected areas
- Riders singled out several corners; Marini said Turn 7 and Turn 8 were exceptions
- Reported injury
- At least one rider suffered minor bruises
- Damage to bike
- Marini said a loose stone caused radiator damage to his Honda RC213V
3 sources
What people are saying
The tarmac is completely destroyed, so we just need to find a way to survive better.
It's a motocross track now, we need to wear the chest protector.
three, four points are really on the limit - really on the limit of being unrideable and unsafe.
The asphalt is, pardon my French, f**ked.