MotoGP Riders Raise Safety Concerns Over Deteriorating Sepang Tarmac
Competitors at the Malaysian Grand Prix compare the heavily worn track surface to a motocross course.
MotoGP riders competing at the Sepang International Circuit have voiced serious concerns regarding the severe degradation of the track asphalt ahead of this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix. Multiple competitors reported being struck by loose pieces of tarmac during the opening practice sessions, prompting widespread discussions about safety and grip levels on the deteriorating circuit.
The problems stem from delayed resurfacing work that was originally scheduled to take place this year. While the track hosted pre-season testing in February, riders noted that the surface has continued to break apart significantly, with images showing the pavement disintegrating across several crucial sections.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, who secured the fifth-fastest time in Friday's decisive practice session for the VR46 team, did not hold back his criticism of the circuit conditions. He humorously suggested that riders might need to equip themselves with chest protection due to the flying debris.
"It's a motocross track now, we need to wear the chest protector. A lot of rocks were coming from the asphalt. I got so many rocks when I did the practice start behind a guy," Di Giannantonio stated after the session. He added that while he was satisfied with his Ducati's setup and race pace, surface damage always presents a hazard for motorcycle racers.
Honda rider Luca Marini also spoke out unprompted about the poor state of the track, describing almost the entire layout as heavily damaged. Marini pointed out that apart from a couple of specific turns, the entire circuit poses a tough survival challenge for the grid.
"The condition is really difficult, really strange. The tarmac is completely destroyed, so we just need to find a way to survive better," Marini remarked. He warned that start practices and early race braking zones would present significant risks for riders trailing behind others due to flying stones.
Despite the widespread complaints, reigning Malaysian Grand Prix winner Álex Márquez adopted a more measured stance regarding the asphalt. Márquez acknowledged that several sections are right on the limit of being unsafe and unrideable, but noted that the overall degradation felt comparable to the previous year.
"I was expecting worse because many drivers from Formula 1 spoke really badly about the asphalt. It's true that last year they said to us that there will be new asphalt. It's not like this. So hopefully for next year, it will be done," Márquez explained. He emphasized that since no immediate solutions are available for the weekend, the focus must remain on adaptation rather than complaint.
Marc Márquez largely echoed his brother's assessment, noting that he did not feel a drastic difference compared to the pre-season test. As the weekend progresses, the paddock will closely monitor how the damaged asphalt influences rider strategies, tire wear, and overall safety during the Grand Prix.