Back in May, WorldSBK were the first world championship to get back on track at Sepang International Circuit outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the new track surface getting a thorough test in the Malaysian heat – and the Malaysian rain. Now, MotoGP™ returns to the venue that saw 2015 hit boiling point, to try out the changes for themselves – with work centered around resurfacing, drainage, camber changes and run offs.
Key aims were to make the track faster and smoother, with increased and more consistent grip levels as well as better drainage. The biggest change sees the camber of the last corner adjusted. This is to avoid water streams crossing the track, to change the racing lines and improve chances for last corner overtakes, and to reduce the apex speed and exit speed in order to control the maximum speed reached on the main straight.
There are now different ways to attack Turn 15, whilst setting comparable laptimes.
Drainage throughout the track has been much improved – including the last corner – with some camber changes designed to redirect water streams and avoid standing water on the track. In addition, the bumps that affected much of Sepang International Circuit have been removed and smoothed, in particular a rut that previously affected Turn 12. Kerbs have also been changed and rebuilt at various points on the track, completing the overhaul of the spectacular venue.
In one further key change, Turns 1, 4 and 9 have seen a redesign of the run off area to provide a better compromise for optimum safety on two wheels and four – with some asphalt replaced by gravel and the efficiency of the run offs improved.
MotoGP™ get back on track at Sepang International Circuit on 30th October to try out the new new-look venue for the 2016 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) closing in on the title and everything ready to be left out on the track.