Deceleration reaches 1.5 g, and the Brembo brake fluid pressure peaks at 11.1 bar.
The third-to-last round of the MotoGP season completes the consecutive non-European triple-header in Malaysia, a venue that has already hosted 31 editions.
However, this will be only the 24th edition at Sepang, as previous races were held at Shah Alam and, in 1998, at Johor.
That year, during 125cc qualifying, Lucio Cecchinello and later Gino Borsoi struck a cobra that had entered the track, but both riders emerged unharmed.
The GP data
According to Brembo technicians who work closely with all MotoGP riders, the 5.5 km Petronas Sepang International Circuit ranks among the most demanding tracks for brakes.
On a scale from 1 to 6, it has a difficulty index of 5, due to critical temperatures caused by both the tropical climate and the high number of braking zones and their duration.
Riders use the brakes 11 times per lap, totaling over 38 seconds, which amounts to one-third of the race.
The toughest corner
1 + 1 equals 3
The Brembo GP4 monobloc caliper used in MotoGP features an amplification system that increases the braking torque.
When the rider operates the brake, this system generates a force that adds to the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid acting on the pistons.
This means that, for the same force applied to the lever, the braking torque is higher compared to a traditional caliper.
The advantage is clear: the rider does not need to exert extra effort, reducing additional strain on the upper limbs.
Moreover, at Sepang, riders are required to choose between 340 mm and 355 mm carbon discs, which are larger — and therefore heavier — than the standard 320 mm discs.
Their use is necessary for better heat dissipation, but without the amplified caliper, riders would need to apply significantly more force on the brake lever.
The First Radial
In addition to being the first edition hosted at Sepang, the 1999 Malaysian GP marked two other firsts: in the 500cc class, Kenny Roberts Jr. won on a Suzuki equipped with Brembo calipers.
For the American rider, it was his first GP victory, and it was also the first triumph for radial calipers in the 500cc class, which Brembo had introduced the previous year on Aprilia 250s.
In the premier class, the first manufacturer to adopt them was Suzuki, which, thanks in part to these calipers, won four GPs in 1999 after failing to score a victory in the preceding three years.
Here Comes the Fair
Next week, the Milan Fair will host the International Two-Wheel Exhibition (EICMA), celebrating 110 years of history.
Since the 1970s, Brembo has been a key player at EICMA, equipping dozens of models that are showcased to the public at the event.
This year as well, Brembo is ready to welcome motorcycle enthusiasts at its stand in Hall 5: a unique opportunity to get up close with MotoGP innovations, the best Brembo solutions for OEM applications, and the entire aftermarket range, divided into three product families: Brembo Prime, Brembo Xtra, and Brembo Upgrade.
Each Brembo product cluster groups spare parts that share similar characteristics, both in terms of end-use applications and market positioning. The aim is to support and simplify customer choices, meeting their specific needs and responding effectively to the evolving demands of the aftermarket sector.