The 2023 MotoGP season has been marred by controversies over penalty decisions made by the stewards. These controversies include the Marc Marquez Portugal penalty debacle and several incidents at the Spanish Grand Prix. In light of these controversies, chief FIM steward and double 500cc world champion Freddie Spencer will meet with the riders for the first time in several years to discuss the situation.
Riders to Seek Better Understanding of Penalty Decisions
The safety commission gathering at Le Mans on Friday will provide an opportunity for the riders to seek a better understanding of the stewards’ decisions. Reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia expressed frustration at being asked to drop one position at Jerez for what the stewards deemed was an aggressive overtake. Bagnaia hopes that the meeting will help the riders understand the stewards’ point of view.
Zarco and Quartararo Call for More Fairness
Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco feels that incidents are not being judged equally and suggests that new stewards are needed who won’t “get disturbed by the popularity” of some riders. Fabio Quartararo was given a long lap penalty at Jerez for a collision with Miguel Oliveira in the grand prix, which many felt was purely a racing incident. Quartararo expects the stewards to do their job.
Maverick Vinales to Listen and Learn
Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales says that he will simply listen to what the stewards have to say. He feels that it is hard to be critical of the process without having done the job before. Vinales believes that the job of a steward is very complicated, as one action can be seen in many different ways. He hopes that the stewards will be equal in their penalties, but acknowledges that it is a difficult job that he would not like to do.
The meeting between the riders and the chief FIM steward is an opportunity to address the controversies that have plagued the 2023 season. The riders hope to gain a better understanding of the stewards’ decisions and to ensure greater fairness in penalty judgments. While the job of a steward is difficult, it is important for the riders to have confidence in the decisions being made, and this meeting may provide a step towards achieving that goal.
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