Just after the MotoGP tests in February 2016, the Sepang circuit track was completely renovated. More than a simple re-surfacing, each turn has been deeply re-studied by Jarno Zaffelli and his company Dromo for a better adaptation to the motorcycle.
This results in slight but notable modifications to the inclinations of the track, in particular in turn #15, but also a complete overhaul of the rain drainage system which, let us remember, posed some problems. big problems during Michelin tests having required absorbent paper in July.
So much so that, when the motorcycles put their wheels on the Malaysian track next Friday, no one will really know the performances that will be achieved there. One clue, however, the best qualifying time in F1 went from 1:35.782 to 1:32.850, while Tom Sykes (Superbike) rode 2'02.246 in 2016, compared to 2'03.240 in 2015...
Here are the main changes.
Multi-layer Coating: The track having been completely resurfaced, its surface is now covered with bitumen binding and covering the gravel aggregate. As it wears, it will become more adherent, which is not necessarily the case now. It can even be less than before, while being faster thanks to the modifications to the turns detailed below.
Curve 1: The braking zone of the first corner has been rectified to eliminate bumps and a gravel trap has been installed outside to increase the safety of motorcycle riders.
Curve 2: Driver visibility is improved so they can see inside the turn.
Curve 3: Improvement of the drainage system by changing the slope of the track.
Curve 4: More pronounced inclination of the track for greater passage speed.
Curve 5: More pronounced slope of the track for greater passing speed and modification of the track profile but not its layout. Faster passage only on the correct trajectory. Improved drainage.
Transition to 5 and 6: Improved drainage.
Curves 6, 7 & 8: Grinding to remove dents.
Curve 9: More pronounced slope of the runway allowing a quicker go-around. Steeper on the trajectory, less steep inside.
Curves 10 & 11 : Unchanged.
courbe 12: Grinding to remove dents.
Curve 13: Improved drainage. Drainage grates were also installed at the edge of the track to prevent water accumulation on the track.
Curve 15: The last corner of the Sepang circuit is the one which has received the most modifications. The most important is to have raised the inside of the turn by one meter (uphill turn), both to avoid problems with water accumulation and to slow down the motorcycles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S376okq8QRE
