The majority of the MotoGP grid has reported severe asphalt deterioration at the Sepang International Circuit ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Several competitors were struck by loose tarmac during Friday practice, with at least one rider suffering minor bruises.
Riders Warn of Dangerous Debris
Because Sepang hosted pre-season testing in February, riders were able to compare the track’s decline firsthand. The entire circuit was scheduled for resurfacing ahead of the race, but the project was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The track surface also faced scrutiny during a motorsport event earlier this month, which likely worsened the damage.
Honda rider Luca Marini stated that almost the entire circuit is in poor condition. “The condition is really difficult, really strange,” he said, noting that only a couple of corners remain unaffected. Marini warned that riders need to be careful of flying stones during the race start.
VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio humorously suggested wearing chest protection after being hit by debris during practice starts. “It’s a motocross track now, we need to wear the chest protector. A lot of rocks were coming from the asphalt,” he said.
Mixed Reactions Among Competitors
Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez offered a more moderate view, noting that conditions felt similar to the previous year. However, he admitted that three or four sections are close to being unrideable and unsafe.
Marc Marquez of Ducati shared a similar perspective, stating that the surface felt comparable to the pre-season test rather than significantly worse, though he agreed that resurfacing is overdue.
Marc Marquez topped the practice timesheets as Friday running concluded.
