MICHELIN WARNS F1 WORK LEFT SEPANG TRACK DAMAGE AHEAD OF MOTOGP

Michelin’s MotoGP chief, Piero Taramasso, has warned that the condition of Sepang’s surface could increase tyre wear at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, pointing to damage he believes followed Formula 1’s visit earlier this month.

F1 raced at the circuit for the first time since 2017 after the Bahrain Grand Prix was moved to Malaysia at short notice because of concerns about the conflict in the Middle East. Max Verstappen won the race, but Taramasso said the event may have left parts of the track in a less-than-ideal state for MotoGP.

Speaking to reporters at Sepang on Thursday, he said: “It could create problems by generating more wear and tyre consumption.” He noted that the main straight had been milled and that Turns 4 and 12 were “a little damaged”, adding that the changes could affect the tyres. In his view, bringing three rear-tyre options rather than the usual two may therefore prove useful.

The expanded allocation was originally planned in response to a separate concern. Sepang had told Michelin it intended to resurface a substantial section of the circuit after MotoGP’s pre-season tests, including at least Turns 5 to 12. Michelin prepared an additional medium rear tyre, a specification previously used on the newer surfaces at Qatar and Portimao, because it was expected to cope well with wear.

But the resurfacing did not happen. Taramasso said the circuit cited a shortage of materials and time after the tyres had already been delivered. Michelin then consulted the teams and decided to keep the extra specification in the allocation, giving riders more choice despite the change in plans.

Taramasso described the situation as unprecedented in his 11 years in MotoGP. With the surface not renewed as expected and some areas reportedly damaged, tyre performance and consumption will be among the factors to watch as the weekend unfolds. Michelin has made no further changes to the allocation.

The Malaysian round also arrives with the 2026 title contest still in play, although Jorge Martin’s injury last Sunday has affected the championship picture. The combination of an uncertain track surface and the ongoing title fight adds another variable to the weekend.