MotoGP Riders Voice Frustration Over Poor Track Surface

MotoGP riders officially voiced frustration over the deteriorating track surface at Sepang International Circuit on 30 October 2026, urging track management to carry out resurfacing works. The complaints emerged following the morning Free Practice 1 and afternoon practice sessions, where riders reported that degraded tarmac sections severely compromised machine grip and posed safety hazards.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Pedro Acosta and Ducati rider Marc Marquez highlighted the declining conditions, observing that critical tarmac sections have peeled off and small stones have detached across the Sepang circuit.

Key Facts

Key factual parameters recorded at Sepang International Circuit on 30 October 2026 document significant track surface deterioration affecting MotoGP practice runs. Official rider feedback from Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez confirms reduced machine grip, dislodged stones, and the urgent requirement for full track resurfacing across multiple sections.

**"Official practice sessions on 30 October 2026 at Sepang International Circuit confirmed that deteriorating tarmac caused loss of front tyre grip for MotoGP competitors."**

Why Are MotoGP Riders Complaining About the Sepang Track Surface?

MotoGP riders are complaining about the Sepang International Circuit because the tarmac surface is deteriorating annually, causing damaged sections and loose stones that compromise front tyre grip. Competitors noted that while bumps remain minimal, severely broken tarmac patches significantly increase the risk of losing machine control during high-speed practice sessions.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Pedro Acosta expressed dissatisfaction following the morning Free Practice 1 and afternoon practice runs, noting that track conditions have worsened progressively.

"Like every year, the condition of the tarmac surface seems to be getting worse, with many parts already damaged and breaking away. Honestly, there are not many bumps at this circuit, but when going through the sections that are really bad, riders easily lose grip on the front tyre. This condition is worsening year after year. This time, small stones on the tarmac surface have also started to detach."

Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

**"Pedro Acosta confirmed that small stones detaching from the Sepang International Circuit tarmac caused riders to lose front tyre grip during practice."**

What Is Marc Marquez's Assessment of the Sepang Circuit?

MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez confirmed that Sepang International Circuit requires resurfacing, reiterating identical concerns raised during the previous year. Although the Ducati rider observed no drastic changes compared to previous test sessions, he maintained that the track surface has reached the point where repaving is necessary for competitive racing.

"It is time for this track to be resurfaced, just as we said last year."

Marc Marquez, Ducati

Despite raising concerns over the track surface, Marquez demonstrated leading pace throughout the day, topping the timesheets during Free Practice 1 before setting the fastest lap time again during the afternoon practice session.

**"Marc Marquez dominated both Free Practice 1 and afternoon practice at Sepang International Circuit on 30 October 2026 despite calling for track resurfacing."**

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This development matters to Malaysian motorsport authorities and Sepang International Circuit management responsible for hosting international racing events. With premier MotoGP riders highlighting that degrading tarmac and dislodged aggregate directly reduce front tyre traction, local track operators face calls to execute resurfacing works to maintain competitive standards and circuit safety.

The source material does not cite Malaysian road tax, Puspakom inspections, fuel subsidies, or consumer vehicle regulations, limiting the operational impact strictly to venue safety and track maintenance at Sepang International Circuit.

**"Sepang International Circuit faces formal calls from MotoGP competitors to repave the track following surface deterioration during official practice sessions."**

Common Questions

Common queries regarding the Sepang International Circuit MotoGP practice sessions focus on track conditions, rider safety concerns, and lap time impacts reported on 30 October 2026. Official responses confirm that damaged tarmac affected tyre grip, leading riders Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez to call for comprehensive circuit resurfacing.

Why are MotoGP riders requesting track resurfacing at Sepang International Circuit?

MotoGP riders requested resurfacing at Sepang International Circuit after finding that damaged tarmac degraded tyre grip during Free Practice 1 and afternoon practice on 30 October 2026. Competitor Pedro Acosta confirmed that deteriorating asphalt and loose stones caused front tyre grip loss across severely damaged sections.

Did the poor track surface at Sepang affect Marc Marquez's practice times?

The deteriorating track surface did not prevent Marc Marquez from topping the timesheets at Sepang International Circuit on 30 October 2026. The Ducati rider recorded the fastest time in morning Free Practice 1 and topped the afternoon practice session, despite agreeing the circuit requires full repaving.

Has a schedule or budget for resurfacing Sepang International Circuit been announced?

A schedule or budget for resurfacing Sepang International Circuit has not been announced in the source report. While competitors including Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez called for immediate track repaving following Friday practice runs, official management decisions or financial allocations have not been disclosed.

**"Neither a budget nor a resurfacing timeline for Sepang International Circuit has been announced following rider complaints on 30 October 2026."**

Sources and Methodology

This technical report synthesises verified statements and track observations published by Careta regarding the Sepang International Circuit surface conditions on 30 October 2026. The source material documents MotoGP practice findings, competitor statements from Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez, and calls for tarmac resurfacing without third-party data extrapolation.

Original report: Careta

Information in this article was translated from the original Malay source text. No currency conversions were applied because commercial prices and figures were not reported in the source material.

**"This record derives exclusively from Careta's coverage of Sepang International Circuit track conditions published on 30 October 2026."**

This article is based on the source report above and was last updated on 31 October 2026.