The 2015 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 23 to 25 October 2015 is just around the corner. The race, which is Round 17 of the 18-leg 2015 MotoGP World Championship, is also the 25th edition of the Malaysia MotoGP.
The race is expected to be a thrilling one, as anything can happen, looking at the twists in the most recent races. Two former MotoGP champions – Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo will be battling it out for the win, while defending champion Marc Marquez will also be fighting for 25 points in Sepang. Undoubtedly, fans will have their own favourites among the riders, but let’s now take a look at the machines that make the champions. Fans will certainly have their dream bikes that make their hearts beat faster when they hear the roar of the engines powering down the track, so some of the following may bring back wonderful memories across the span of more than two decades.
From 1991 till 2014, Honda has been the most successful manufacturer in the Malaysia MotoGP’s premier race, with their riders emerging the winner for a total of 11 times in the MotoGP and 500cc categories – 5 times in Sepang, 5 times at the Batu Tiga track, and even once at the Johor Circuit. Honda bikes have been instrumental in wins by champions such as Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez. One of the bikes made famous was the NSR500 ridden by Mick Doohan. Built by the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the NSR500 originally debuted in 1984 in the MotoGP’s 500cc class. The NSR was continuously improved on and evolved into a legend in the 1990s when it was the winning bike in Malaysia 5 years in a row.
Yamaha has also seen its riders clinch the win in Malaysia, with a total of 7 wins from 1991 to 2014. Some of the big name Yamaha riders that will bring back memories include John Kocinski who emerged champion of the Malaysia MotoGP back in 1991, Wayne Rainey in 1993, Max Biaggi in 2002, as well as Valentino Rossi in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. The celebrated Yamaha YZR500 has shared the limelight with famous riders like Wayne Rainey. Yamaha’s focus on developing the new CES suspension system was a help to its riders. The electric system with sensors measuring the suspension stroke, and then translating the measurement and channelling the feedback to the suspension enabled the riders to adjust the system from the handlebars.
Apart from Honda and Yamaha, both Ducati and Suzuki have contributed to memorable races at the Malaysia MotoGP, with Kenny Roberts Jr riding his Suzuki to consecutive victories in 1999 and 2000, while Ducati’s Loris Capirossi emerged champion in 2005 and Casey Stonerachieved the same feat on a Ducati in 2007 and 2009.
Tickets to the Malaysia MotoGP are selling fast, so if haven’t bought one yet, don’t waste any more time! You can grab your tickets starting from RM42.40. For more information, visit www.sepangcircuit.com.
