MotoGP 2003 - Round 14 - Sepang

After a dramatic Pacific Grand Prix at Motegi in Japan last weekend, where Max Biaggi (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) got the best from his RC211V for his second win of the season, the MotoGP road show now hits Sepang in Malaysia. Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda RC211V) was second and Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) third. Honda machines filled the top four places in the results sheet with Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda RC211V) fourth.

But last weekend, and its controversies, when Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) who was stripped of his third place, for “riding in an irresponsible manner” (according to Race Direction), are now consigned to the history books. The focus is now on whether reigning World Champion Rossi can tie up his third premier class title here in Sepang.

The Italian is 58 points ahead of his Spanish challenger and if he finishes second, or indeed wins the race, his third title will be in the bag with two races to go. Rossi was second here last year, but it was Biaggi who scored the win in the oppressive heat and humidity that prevails in Malaysia at this time of year.

Gibernau is a long shot for the title, and barring disasters, it looks like Rossi will wrap things up here. But if Gibernau wins and Rossi finishes third or lower, there will remain a mathematical possibility of the Spaniard seeking out a title win against seemingly insurmountable odds – but few would bet on it.

But under the pressure of three back-to-back races in three weekends (the Australian Grand prix at Phillip Island immediately follows this race) strange things can happen. And with an ambient temperature in the mid-30 degree region with 80% humidity in Malaysia, sometimes even the strongest riders can wilt.

Sepang features two long straights and fast, open turns, a left/right flick and a very tight turn one at the end of the start/finish straight. And after last weekend’s race where a first turn incident led to John Hopkins (Suzuki) receiving a ban from this weekend’s contest for skittling Troy Bayliss (Ducati) and Carlos Checa (Yamaha), riders will be aware of the need to take things comparatively easy at the start.

Hard braking from high speed on the two long straights puts a premium on having the bikes set up for stability into the turns, and naturally power and a high top-end speed are absolute requirements too. But, as ever, it’s a compromise set-up that will be the key to success here. The track is very wide and offers better overtaking opportunities than many tracks on account of this feature.

Sepang is one of the longest tracks on the MotoGP calendar, only Assen and Suzuka are longer and the lap times are the longest-lasting of the MotoGP season. The track surface, combined with the withering heat is tough on tyres, but riders who can make the most of sliding tyres in the oppressive conditions are at a distinct advantage.

Rossi is ready for the challenge. “We’re going to Malaysia in a good position and I like Sepang very much. I’ll do my best to try for the Championship there. The bike is good there, but I’ll be fighting for the Championship on the same bike so we have no real advantage.”

Gibernau is going to give it everything while the title door is still open. “At Sepang we have to continue on the same successful line we have been following in the last races,” he said. “Although I have never had great results at the track, I go into the race having tested here in the winter with the RCV. The test was with the old bike but it will be of help to us, some of the data we collected will be useful.”

For Biaggi it’s a chance to confirm his status as one of Honda’s main men and the Roman is eager to notch more wins as the season concludes. “I hope we can work as well in practice here as we did at Motegi,” he said. “The team put in some great work and if we manage that again then we’ll be right up there fighting in the race.”

Nicky Hayden is itching for action. “The next race just can’t come quick enough for me,” said The American rookie. “I’ve ridden Sepang before in testing and I like it, so I think I can get on the pace fast. I feel close to the front now and I just can’t wait to get racing.”

Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) is looking to continue his robust run of form. Mindful of his disqualification at Motegi, the Japanese will still be giving it everything. “Things happen in racing,” he said. “And you have to look to the next race. Sepang is a new race and another chance to get among the front runners.”

Tohru Ukawa (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) sees Malaysia as a chance to prove what might have been this season. “I’ll be fit for Malaysia,” said the Japanese. “I’ve done a lot of testing there and we’ll have a very good base for finalising the settings this weekend. The start will be crucial and if I can get the best from the lights then we’ll see what happens.”