Honda will appeal the penalty of Marc Márquez in the Portuguese GP

The Repsol Honda team announced this Wednesday that it will appeal the decision of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) to apply the penalty imposed on Marc Márquez, even though he does not participate in the Argentine Grand Prix.

The Spaniard was penalized for causing an accident at the Portuguese GP on March 26, in which he injured the thumb on his right hand and will miss the next race.

For this accident, the FIM imposed a penalty of two

(a long lap that normally takes about two seconds more than a normal one) that would be applied in the Argentine GP.

However, the Federation changed its mind and on Tuesday announced that the Spanish driver would have to serve the sanction in the next race in which he participates.

Marc Márquez (above) and Miguel Oliveira, at the moment of the crash in the Portuguese Grand Prix. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

Marc Márquez (on the right) and Miguel Oliveira, after the accident.

An action that the Portuguese public made him pay with a loud whistle when he approached the box. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

Marc Márquez (on the left) and Miguel Oliveira, on the ground after the fall in the second round. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

Marc Márquez, on the ground, after the collision with Miguel Oliveira in the MotoGP test. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

The Portuguese pilot Miguel Oliveira lies on the ground after the fall with Marc Márquez.

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA (AFP)

Márquez joins after the attack with Miguel Oliveira. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA (AFP)

Marc Márquez (right) approaches the Portuguese pilot Miguel Oliveira to make sure of his condition after the blow. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA (AFP)

Márquez helps Oliveira, who is lying on the ground. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

Oliveira, on the ground, receives medical attention after the accident. MARCELO DEL POZO (REUTERS)

The Repsol Honda Team has filed an appeal with the FIM Appeal Stewards, arguing that the modification of the sanction "does not conform to current regulations" for the MotoGP World Championship.

The FIM reported the change of criteria two days after the initial sanction was firm and final, and the team considers that this action has violated "their rights and legitimate interests."

For this reason, Márquez's team intends to "use all possible avenues" to appeal the organization's decision, according to a statement issued by the Repsol Honda Team on Wednesday.

At first and because the initial sanction specified that it would be applied in the Argentine GP, the team and the driver assumed that it would not be applied in other races.

However, after the confusion generated by the language used in similar sanctions last season, the stewards issued a statement on Tuesday morning to clarify the situation.

“The FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel clarifies its decision in terms of applicability.

Considering the injury and non-participation of Marc Márquez, driver #93, in the Argentine GP, and with the will to comply with the intention underlying the decision made by the panel of stewards, the double long lap penalty must be served

the next MotoGP race in which the rider can participate”.

The accident caused by Márquez, which led to the sanction, occurred during the Portuguese GP race last Sunday, the first stop of the 2023 Motorcycle World Championship. The Spanish pilot made a mistake during a curve on the second lap and touched Jorge Martín (Ducati), causing him to lose control and hit Miguel Oliveria (Aprilia), with the result that both crashed and were eliminated from the race.

The Portuguese was not hurt, but Márquez broke his thumb and Jorge Martín, although he was able to continue, also ended up with a broken toe.

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