It's been said that to a rider, Sepang is 'the worst 45 minutes of your year', both physically and mentally. The first goes without saying: you're manhandling what is essentially a giant combustion engine on wheels through a track in the tropics, clad in leather. And that's before the debris and rocks start flying! But then there is the psychological side of it all: this is where you win or lose it, where you discover if your remaining races will be an upward line or a steep fall from the top. Just ask Bezzecchi, coming in after a rather unnecessary collision with Ogura. The Bez wasn't fast enough to grab those precious points, and his Aprilia compatriot Ogura came in rough and hard. Carbon and aero fly all over the place, and now Mat and Peter have to lay down the law to keep the kids from fighting... And speaking of flying aero: did anyone notice how the lack of it didn't seem to slow Ai down a bit? That's odd enough by itself, but then you see Marc absolutely dominating this race without using a ride height device. A race where significant moves were made without aero, no RHD? Surely it can't be! I assume the world must be ending? Well, that depends on who you ask - but if it does end, it might start next week during the race in Qatar! Okay, I kid, but let's not beat around the bush here: next week's race is vastly more important than Sepang - or any other race, for that matter. Shortly put, against all sane advice and reason, MotoGP is going to an area that could turn into a potential conflict zone at any second. Fun fact: did you know there's a giant American air force base, just a stone's throw away from the track? Well, the riders and even some manufacturers aren't taking the risk. According to Jack Miller, there's currently about 19 riders who are going to decline the invitation and everyone's favourite Aussie is amongst them. And they're not alone: Yamaha, too, has decided not to go, spurting Liberty Media to lay down the law in truly draconian fashion. So here we are, at what might be the eve of an escalating conflict, with the first rider strike in almost thirty years against the corporate power of a media giant. And don't think for a second that this is 'just politics', because the outcome of this conflict might have massive effects on MotoGP, Liberty Media, Formula 1 and even a slight bit of global politics. Yeah, I think we'll have plenty to talk about... --- Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music! Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors: If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!
