MARQUEZ WARNS MOTEGI’S NEW SURFACE COULD INCREASE CRASH RISK

Marc Marquez has raised concerns about rider safety at Motegi after a crash-filled opening day of the Japanese Grand Prix, blaming the circuit’s newly resurfaced asphalt for making it difficult to judge the limit.

The first day brought falls across the classes on the 2.983-mile track. Takaaki Nakagami’s home wildcard appearance ended before he could set a timed lap: the Honda rider high-sided at Turn 11 during FP1 and broke his collarbone, ruling him out for the rest of the weekend.

Marquez avoided a crash in either session, but said the new surface had created uncertainty for the riders. “The sensations and grip are good; this puts everyone on the same level,” he said, speaking to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. “Now we need to understand what the limits are, because this encourages crashes.”

Light drizzle before FP1 added to the challenge, with riders struggling to tell where the track was wet. Enea Bastianini said the forecast suggested sunshine for the following days, but warned that any return of the drizzle could make conditions “really difficult.” He described losing control despite initially thinking the track was dry. At Turn 11, he noticed the rider ahead had a shiny tyre and realised there was water on the circuit; from the surface alone, he said, it was impossible to see.

Marco Bezzecchi also had a close call early in FP1, in a moment involving Toprak Razgatlioglu. He said he only recognised the asphalt was wet once his bike was already sliding. “I was very lucky,” Bezzecchi said. Asked how he saved the moment, he replied: “Honestly, I wouldn’t know. I think it was just a matter of luck.”