Modification work was needed at Sepang but it hasn't had the expected effect. The potholes have gone and the riders appreciate the level of grip. So far, so good, but there are also negatives. There was criticism during tests organised a few months ago by Michelin.

Riders against the Sepang track: no good as it is

On that occasion, through certain corners, water was seeping up through the track surface and marshals attempted to resolve the problem using.... paper towels. Following that episode, work has continued to resolve the problem but without success.

Almost all the riders have noticed wet patches that remain long after the rain has stopped.

Here below are some of the MotoGP riders' comments.

DOVIZIOSO: THE WET SPOTS WERE ALL OVER - “There were wet spots all over the trajectories, through every corner. The problem is similar to how it was during testing, though in that case it was at turn 9 which is no longer an issue. I want to hear what they have to say in the Safety Commission”.

IANNONE: THE BIKE SUDDENLY SLIDES - “The new asphalt offers good drop. The damp patches were a problem, they were all over the place and haven't dried while most of the rest of the track has. When you ride over them the bike suddenly slides”.

SMITH: THREE DANGEROUS POINTS - “The new asphalt offers more grip than it did before, but the damp patches have made it all more complicated. I think there are three particularly dangerous areas, for example at turn 5 where there's one on the line you take to make a pass. It's definitely a problem that needs solving, also because the asphalt is dark and it's hard to see which points are wet”.

POL ESPARAGARO: CRITICAL IN THE RACE - “The wet patches are a problem and make it all more difficult. The situation could be particularly critical in the first laps of the race, when riders are close together and passing each other. There are usually various lines to use, but here no. If you run over one of the wet areas, you have to hope you can stay upright”.

PETRUCCI: THERE IS ALWAYS SOME WATER - “On one side I'm pleased because the new asphalt offers more grip, in both the dry and the wet. The problem is that there is always some water, those small puddles from the morning never dry up”.

REDDING: I EXPECTED MORE - “I thought the new asphalt would be better, but many corners are still wet. I don't like it, actually I think it's a little dangerous to ride in these conditions”.