Malaysian GP MotoGP and F1 venue Sepang investigating track issues

The Malaysian Grand Prix venue was resurfaced in full between February and May this year, as part of Sepang's first major works since 2007.

The World Superbike Championship raced at the venue immediately after the closure without problems, but a Michelin MotoGP tyre test in early July was thwarted by issues with the track drying and then water seeping back through the surface.

LCR's Cal Crutchlow was in attendance for Honda, along with Ducati test rider Michele Pirro and former racer Colin Edwards in his capacity as a Yamaha tester.

"The track condition's not cool at all," Crutchlow said.

"It was a lot worse than when World Superbike went there, because we know that from the circuit, and from the Ducati guys that were there for the World Superbike round and for the test.

"There were wet patches everywhere. The sun can be out, it is 40 degrees, and they're drying all day, but at the end of the day there is more water than what there was at the start of the day because it is just coming out.

"But the track condition of how dirty it is... at the start of the day, we were doing wet weather times.

"In the end we were going a lot faster, and were going at a good pace for a race weekend, but the track could be another three seconds quicker if it was clean.

"Sure there was only three of us going around, but it was dodgy, because you were wide open in fourth gear and you would be going across a wet patch and stuff like that."

Sepang will host F1 on September 30-October 2 and MotoGP on October 28-30.

Officials confirmed that the track issues are "currently under investigation", including whether a thunderstorm the day before the test was a factor.

"SIC is working with track design firm Dromo, which was involved in the recent track resurfacing, and our track maintenance contractor Nippon Road (M) Sdn Bhd, to investigate the cause and to ensure that such a situation does not recur," a statement read.

"This will allow all parties to observe, evaluate and take the necessary actions to further improve the track to the highest standards."