MOTOGP RIDERS WARN OF BREAKING-UP ASPHALT AT SEPANG

MotoGP riders raised serious concerns about the Sepang International Circuit’s deteriorating asphalt ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, describing the surface as more like a motocross track than a smooth racing circuit. The problems were evident during Friday’s first two practice sessions, when riders reported loose pieces of tarmac being flicked up at them. Fabio Di Giannantonio said he was struck by several stones during a practice start behind another rider, adding: “It’s a motocross track now; we have to wear chest protectors.” At least one rider was left with minor bruising.

The circuit had been due to receive a new surface before this year’s event, but the work did not take place. Preparations for October’s Formula 1 race are thought to have affected those plans, while the grand prix cars may also have contributed to the asphalt damage. Riders said the track had worsened despite Sepang hosting the pre-season test. Augusto Fernandez, who completed extensive testing there, said conditions were “worse than during the test”, with less grip and tyres dropping off significantly after only one or two laps. He warned that pushing too hard early could cost riders in the final sector of the long lap.

Jack Miller described the surface in blunt terms, while Pedro Acosta said the asphalt seemed to deteriorate year after year. “When you touch the asphalt, things get very difficult; in fact, pieces come off,” he said. The bumps were likened to a motocross track, and riders’ accounts point to a safety concern as well as a challenge for the weekend’s running, with debris being thrown up on track.

The surface could also complicate qualifying and the rest of the weekend. Friday’s Practice saw five crashes, three of them in the final five minutes as riders pushed on fresh soft tyres. If the asphalt continues to break up, race officials could consider shortening the race, as happened at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Goiania after severe surface problems.