Multiple MotoGP riders have expressed concerns about the state of the Sepang International Circuit’s asphalt ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix.
📌 The Core Development
A track already in need of resurfacing was further damaged by this month’s replacement Formula 1 race - running as the 'Bahrain Grand Prix' in lieu of a race at the country's actual Sakhir track - to the point where it has now, according to some racers, become borderline dangerous to ride on.
Last resurfaced 10 years ago, the track was due to receive new asphalt ahead of this year’s MotoGP event, but delays to logistics caused by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East saw this work pushed back.
🔍 Background & Sector Context
And the high downforce generated by F1 cars has caused considerable further degradation of the track at a number of key corners.
The unexpected arrival of F1 also saw remedial work planing the straights, in an attempt to remove bumps - which appears to have exacerbated the situation in other regards. The track is now shedding stones due to the forces generated by the bikes as they accelerate.
📊 Industry & Real-World Impact
MotoGP had a similar issue at the second round of the 2026 season at the inaugural Brazilian Grand Prix in Goiania, where the main race on Sunday was cut in distance at the last minute as the track started to crumble during the Moto2 and Moto3 races.
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🔮 Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
And, speaking to riders after the opening day of practice on Friday, a number were less than happy that their request to resurface after testing hadn’t been accomplished given the state of the asphalt right now.
“The asphalt is, pardon my French, f**ked,” Jack Miller told the media.
