The Repsol Honda team has decided to appeal the modification of Marc Márquez’s sanction after the incident in the Portuguese Grand Prix, which obliged him to serve it in the next race and not in Argentina, as initially established. The team argues that the modification was a change of criteria on when the sanction should be applied and that the FIM did not follow the current regulations by issuing it two days after the initial sanction was final and definitive.
The team has announced its intention to use all available avenues of appeal in defense of its legitimate rights and interests. Honda has filed an appeal with the FIM Appeal Commissioners.
After the accident in which Márquez threw Miguel Oliveira and almost did the same to Jorge Martín, the FIM announced a double “long lap” as a penalty for the Argentine Grand Prix, but modified it after learning of Márquez’s injury and operation, which would not allow him to participate in the race.
The FIM decided that the sanction should be served at the next race in which the rider could participate, considering Márquez’s injury and non-participation in the Michelin Grand Prix of the Republic of Argentina, and with a view to fulfilling the underlying intention of the decision taken by the FIM MotoGP Commissaires Panel.
The Repsol Honda team has appealed this decision on the grounds that the current regulations have not been followed and that its rights and legitimate interests have been violated.