Riders being investigated over MotoGP testing breach accusation
It is believed Fabio Quartararo could be reprimanded or penalised for breaking MotoGP regulations when he tested a Yamaha this week
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54 years 8 monthsThe FIM MotoGP Stewards have revealed they are investigating potential breaches of the motorcycle grand prix rules regarding testing on unapproved models.
No names have been released by the FIM itself, but one of the culprits is expected to be Fabio Quartararo. If so, he and any others will be called up to explain their actions when the 2020 MotoGP season gets underway in Jerez on July 17-19.
The debate centres around the use of certain machinery on private track days or tests. The current rules do not allow for race riders (KTM and Aprilia excepted) to ride MotoGP bikes or anything with a relatable specification, such as a WorldSBK or specialist model.
As an example, most of the MotoGP riders have been getting ‘match fit’ again by riding roadgoing specification superbikes with only modification for safety purposes, such as Alex Rins on a Suzuki GSX-R1000R and Johann Zarco on a Ducati Panigale V4 S recently.
“Hearings for riders who may have broken the rules should be scheduled to take place at the 2020 Gran Premio Red Bull de España at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, in order to hear from the parties concerned and to allow further time to investigate the details,' an FIM statement added.
Although some safety changes can be made to 'standard production road-homologated motorcycles' for training, they 'must be notified to the Technical Director in advance.”
As it stands it isn’t clear what any potential penalty would be incurred but it is thought to relate to Quartararo after he was supported riding a honed Yamaha R1 GYTR at Paul Ricard this week.