MotoGP: Court of Appeal Issues Final Decision on Honda Rider Marc Marquez's Case

This weekend in Le Mans, Marc Marquez, who was injured in the season opener, will make his second appearance of the 2023 MotoGP season. The Honda rider crashed with Jorge Martin and Miguel Oliveira during the Portuguese Grand Prix in March, fracturing the first metacarpal in his right thumb. He has not raced in any of the three races to avoid a potentially career-ending injury to his hand. At the first race of the season, the Honda rider collided with Miguel Oliveira of RNF Aprilia, earning him a double-long lap penalty from the FIM stewards. A warning from the FIM stewards stating his punishment for the Argentina GP was sent, however, he pulled out of the race after breaking his thumb and needing surgery shortly afterward. According to Honda, Marquez was allowed to ride by three independent medical teams before this weekend's French GP, and everyone is happy with how the bone has healed.

Also Read: MotoGP French GP: Danilo Petrucci to Replace Injured Ducati Rider Enea Bastianini at Le Mans

What was the MotoGP Court of Appeal's Verdict?

The FIM Stewards changed the imposition of the punishment to Marquez's next grand prix event after he missed the Termas round due to a thumb fracture received in the collision. A signed and sealed penalty cannot be modified, thus Repsol Honda contested the 'modification'.

As was widely speculated, the MotoGP Court of Appeal agreed with the team and "annulled the Application of the Sanction," indicating that Marquez's suspension would not apply outside of Argentina.

According to the ruling, Marc Marquez's Double Long Lap Penalty from the 2023 MotoGP Race of Portugal on March 26 has been fulfilled since he did not compete in the 2023 MotoGP Race of Argentina.

Thus, Marc Marquez has been cleared to race in the next event in France's Le Mans without additional punishment.

Also Read: MotoGP: Lorenzo Savadori Replaces Injured Aprilia Rider Miguel Oliveira for Upcoming French GP

What is the MotoGP Court of Appeal? 

The FIM MotoGP Stewards handle penalties in MotoGP. Now, let's say a rider, team, or manufacturer decides to file an appeal. At that point, the case is sent to the FIM Appeal Stewards for review. The FIM Appeal Stewards have the authority to review and either uphold or reject a decision made by the FIM MotoGP Stewards or to apply an alternative punishment.

If the FIM Appeal Stewards believe they cannot resolve the dispute for whatever reason, they may submit it to the MotoGP Court of Appeal. The MotoGP Court of Appeal is made up of a judge chosen by the FIM Legal Director.