Moto3: Tougher sanctions for those who slow down in qualifying

Moto3 Motegi Qualifying Penalties – The system introduced this year to penalize those who slow down during the qualifying session is not working. The Moto3 riders continue to slow down on the opening lap, perhaps waiting for a tow. This can create great danger for those who, perhaps, during a fast lap come across a real "flock" of drivers in the middle of the track.

The current regulation provides for a fine starting from 500 euros for the pilot who slows down while waiting for the slipstream, up to 1500 euros in the event that the pilot is a repeat offender. Furthermore, if a driver slows down in more than three sectors, a setback of up to 12 positions is applied on the starting grid.

But from Japan things will change, by his own admission Mike webb, MotoGP Race Director, from this weekend the penalties will be harsher and the rider could be forced to start from the pit lane or disqualified for the race.

These are the words of Mike Webb: “Unfortunately I am forced to do another briefing with the drivers, regarding drivers who slow down during qualifying and who wait to follow another driver. Going slow on the track is dangerous when another fast rider comes along, so we have to stop this thing because it's dangerous. There are young kids on the track who have to learn, in MotoGP and Moto2 they understood not to do it, but in Moto3, given the lower power of the bikes and the young age of the riders, they don't see the danger of this. The regulation will not change much compared to the one used this year, but it will be more severe for those who repeat this behavior. From now on we will use the hard fist. Before there was a slow increase in penalties but from this match the increase will be greater. If the drivers continue to do so, some will start from the pit lane, others will be disqualified from the race. There is a small group of riders who have shown that you can go fast in qualifying without waiting for anyone and what I want to tell the riders is to do like them, because it is possible to go fast. The important thing is that they understand that we do it for their safety, because it can be dangerous."