SEPANG, Feb 12 — MotoGP World Champion 2022 Francesco Bagnaia welcomed the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) track surface upgrade works expected to begin next month, ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix (GP) MotoGP in November.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider admitted to being satisfied with the current circuit surface but said that the plan to upgrade the racing surface is a perfect idea.

He said, SIC has done a great job in maintaining the circuit considering the weather in Malaysia which caused the circuit to be wet and overheated.

"This time... (and since) I came from 2016, they (SIC) have done a really great job with the tarmac, only some part of the track is a bit damaged but still rideable.

"I think it has great level of ground and asphalt, and it is a perfect plan (to upgrade),” he told reporters at the 2023 MotoGP Winter test session here yesterday.

Yesterday, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the SIC track surface is expected to undergo maintenance and upgrade works along the 5.54 kilometre (km) track that only involves about 1km at turns 7, 8 and 9, from March to May.

He said the effort is to ensure user safety, especially ahead of the Malaysian GP MotoGP race this year.

The last time SIC upgraded the 5.54-kilometre track was in 2016.

On the second day of the pre-season 2023 Winter Test yesterday, the 27-year-old Bagnaia was fifth-fastest clocking one minute 59.067 seconds in his 8th lap of 34 laps.

The last day of the Sepang test resumed today at 10 am and will draw to a close at 6pm. — Bernama