During the main race of the Assen Grand Prix, Marc Marquez, who was fighting for the podium, let Fabio Di Giannantonio pass in front of him. In order to be as discreet as possible, the latter made an obvious gesture inviting him to take his position.
The aim of the Spaniard’s maneuver was to stay behind the VR46 driver to increase his tire pressure, Gresini Racing having tried to play the minimum pressure standards imposed by the FIM.
The multiple world champion, however, was caught at his own game. And this gesture prompted the commissioners to rigorously analyze whether there was a violation of the regulations or not. The sanction fell after the race, and cost the No. 93 dearly.
ALSO READ > Assen – Race: Bagnaia untouchable, the French in the points
“In accordance with article 3.5.5 of the FIM Grand Prix regulations, we confirm our decision without appeal. The tire pressures checked on June 30 on motorcycle no. 93 were lower than the established standards. As a result, the commissioners applied a penalty of sixteen seconds to his final result. »
As a reminder, the minimum pressure imposed must be noted over at least 60% of the stroke. In the case of Marquez, it was a trick.
The Marquez clan negotiated at length with the commissioners to explain to them that his contact with Bastianini prevented him from bringing his tires up to temperature on the lap in question. However, the regulations were applied to the letter. As a result of this sanction, Marc Marquez, who had initially finished fourth in the event, fell to eleventh place.
The French having finished twelfth and thirteenth in the event, Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco narrowly missed improving their final ranking.
