Two unnamed riders have been caught infringing the Grand Prix testing and practice regulations.
In a press release issued today, the FIM announced that breaches of the rules had been reported, which would be investigated during hearings to be held at the (re)opening of MotoGP at Jerez, on July 19th.
Though neither the names nor the specific infraction were mentioned in the press release, the wording of the announcement makes clear that the incident involves either Moto2 or Moto3 riders, and that they are accused of having used bikes that were not eligible to be used for training.
Since circuits opened again, and training restarted, riders have flocked to tracks all over the world to get back the feeling of speed. They have taken every opportunity to ride at tracks like Barcelona, Misano, and Jerez, to prepare for the restarting of a packed schedule.
In the frenzy to restart, it appears that two riders have not paid careful attention to the rules and regulations. All practice on a Grand Prix track with a bike of the same make as the rider races in their specific class cannot be of the same capacity.
For Moto2 riders, they are not allowed to practice on a Triumph with an engine within 100cc (bigger or smaller) of of the 765cc motor powering the Moto2 class, which would rule out the previous model of Triumph 675, including the very popular Street Triple.
For Moto3 riders, they are not allowed to practice on the brand they are racing, and a bike within 50cc smaller or larger of the 250cc of the Moto3 class limit.
KTM, in particular, makes a lot of engines for Enduro and MX bikes in these capacities, including 250cc four strokes and a 300cc two stroke, though Honda also make 250cc MX and Enduro bikes.
If a rider fitted 17-inch wheels to an MX bike and used it on a Grand Prix track, that would count as a violation of the rules.
KTM riders do have an alternative, however: the KTM RC390 falls outside of the rules, and KTM Moto3 riders would be able to use such a bike.
The fact that the press release does not mention names suggests these infractions are only minor, and the riders may get away with only a warning.
When Aleix Espargaro was found to be riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000 with carbon brakes and slick tires while with Suzuki in MotoGP, he was handed a warning and told to put the bike back to standard.
Source: FIM
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