MotoGP riders have voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating asphalt at the Sepang International Circuit, after loose stones and pieces of tarmac began flying off the surface during Friday's practice sessions ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Several riders reported being struck by debris while on track, with some suffering minor bruises. The condition of the asphalt also raised concerns about safety, particularly during race starts when riders following closely behind could be hit by stones thrown up by motorcycles ahead.
Sepang was originally scheduled to receive a complete resurfacing ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season, but the work was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The circuit had already been criticised for its poor surface last year, with this season's Formula 1 event in Malaysia believed to have further aggravated the deterioration.
Honda's Luca Marini was among the most vocal critics, describing the condition of the track as particularly difficult and suggesting that almost the entire circuit had become problematic.
"The tarmac is completely destroyed, so we just need to find a way to survive better."
Marini pointed out that Turns 2 and 14 were already in poor condition last year, but the problem had now spread to several other sections. He also warned that flying debris could become especially dangerous during the opening moments of a race.
"The condition is really difficult, really strange."
VR46 Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio offered an equally blunt assessment, comparing Sepang to a motocross circuit because of the amount of debris coming off the surface.
"It's a motocross track now, we need to wear the chest protector."
The Italian explained that several stones struck him while following another rider during a practice start, highlighting the risks posed by the deteriorating asphalt.
The problem was also affecting riders' confidence and their ability to push consistently. Pramac's Augusto Fernandez reported reduced grip compared with the pre-season test, while Pedro Acosta noted that the asphalt appeared to be deteriorating further each year.
Last year's Malaysian GP winner Alex Marquez acknowledged the problems but suggested the overall condition was similar to the previous season. However, he admitted that several sections were approaching the limit of what riders considered acceptable.
"It's true that three, four points are really on the limit, really on the limit of being unrideable and unsafe."
Marquez added that there was little the riders could do to change the situation during the race weekend, leaving them to adapt to the conditions as best they could.
Ducati's Marc Marquez shared a similar view, saying he had not noticed a significant difference compared with the February pre-season test. Nevertheless, he agreed that Sepang was due for resurfacing.
With the track surface continuing to deteriorate and little opportunity for major repairs before the race, riders are expected to face challenging conditions throughout the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
The concerns also serve as another reminder of the importance of maintaining a consistent and safe racing surface, particularly at a circuit that remains a key venue for MotoGP testing and competition.
