Cover image via Azman Nor/Facebook
On Monday, 19 May, a Mercedes-AMG GT R, a supercar worth over RM1.7 million, was destroyed in a high-speed crash at Sepang International Circuit (SIC)
The car slammed into a barrier at over 165km/h during a track session, but remarkably, both the driver and passenger survived.
Below are three key facts that shed light on what happened:
1. The crash was likely caused by a brake failure
Image via Azman Nor/Facebook
The driver behind the wheel, Roy Tang, is no amateur. He's a seasoned semi-pro racer with experience in events like the Motul 12 Hours GT3 Endurance Race and TCR Macau Grand Prix, so pushing a high-performance car like this around SIC is well within his comfort zone.
According to a Facebook post by those close to the driver, the incident was triggered by a mechanical failure, specifically, a mismatch in the brake system. While the callipers had been upgraded for better performance, the brake hoses and fluid remained stock from the factory. It's believed that the stock hose couldn't handle the demands of hard braking at high speeds, causing it to fail and resulting in a critical loss of stopping power.
The broken rubber brake hose that was supposed to be replaced with an upgraded, steel-braided hose.
Image via Azman Nor/Facebook
2. Both the driver and the passenger survived
Image via Azman Nor/Facebook
Dashcam footage shows the AMG GT R hitting around 236km/h before Roy began braking for the turn. While he managed to slow the car slightly, the failure meant he couldn't shed enough speed. The car overshot into the gravel trap and hit the barrier at about 165km/h.
There were two people in the car, the driver and the owner, who was riding shotgun. Thankfully, neither suffered life-threatening injuries, though the driver was hospitalised with a spinal injury.
3. The AMG GT R that was totalled cost over RM1.7 million
Damage to the car includes the front axle and more, resulting in at least RM50,000. The track barriers will also need to be repaired immediately, as the upcoming Super GT Malaysia 2025 is happening in June.
Image via Roy Zakaria/Facebook
