MotoGP teams became victims of theft as items including computers, parts, and tools were stolen ahead of the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP this weekend.
Certainly a sour note on Sepang Circuit’s 20th-anniversary celebrations and the Malaysian leg of the MotoGP, Angel Nieto was one among several teams competing in the Moto2 and Moto3 category affected by the incident which took place early Friday morning.
Source: BikesRepublic.com
The incident which was attributed to the lack of paddock space on the track, began as teams such as Angel Nieto were assigned to tents attached to parking area PA1.
According to SIC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali, the theft that occurred between 1 am to 6 am Friday during heavy rain affected several teams. But the worst belonged to Angel Nieto as they lost many Moto2 and Moto3 parts.
Source: Twitter
To note how many items were stolen that day, Team Manager Gino Borsoi listed items such as “shock absorbers, calipers, brake discs, computers, tools, tire heaters (tire warmers) and fork springs.”
Seriously, how low can these thieves go?
Borsoi stated that the thieves targeted Moto3 components as the Moto2 parts were mostly left untouched.
“The opened the spare parts drawers but didn’t take Moto2 items except for specific things. They were tools for dismantling wheels and disc screws of street motorcycle brakes. And tire warmers.”
If you were wondering about the losses suffered by the team, the theft cost them an estimate of € 40,000 to € 50,000!
According to bikesrepublic.com, this was not the first case of thievery at the Malaysian leg of MotoGP, as three computers were stolen three years ago.
Freakin’ embarrassing right?
Source: MotoMalaya
To add salt to the wound, Angel Nieto has just signed Malaysian GP rider Hafizh Syahrin as part of their Moto2 setup next season – can you just imagine what Hafizh will have to go through knowing that his fellow Malaysians were responsible for the theft that may have spoiled Angel Nieto’s race in Malaysia!
Thanks to Valentino Rossi’s SKY VR46 team, they were able to assemble their bikes and race for the week.
Pablo Nieto, son of Angel Nieto and SKY VR46 Manager said, “We have extra two complete WP shock absorbers. How can I not help them if the team bears my father’s name?”
Source: The Star
Speaking about the stolen parts, Razlan said that the thieves may have international links and possess a deep knowledge of racing.
“I had a meeting with team Angel Nieto this morning (yesterday) and was told that there could be a (specific) group involved who know exactly what they want to take.”
“For example, they took only certain types of tires, calipers, and similar items. They could have stolen other items in the paddock such as computers, which were also there, but they were left untouched.”
“A lot of the parts stolen, including suspension and brakes, were those specialized for wet weather use.”
We sincerely hope that the culprits of this incident will be made to face justice for not only their crime but giving Malaysia and honest Malaysians a bad name.
Also read: Kuantan Thieves Get Tied Up and Interrogated for Stealing Mosque Funds
