FIM MotoGP Jury Board issued a two-lap penalty to a rider who violated the new procedures to be implemented in the 2026 season. This sanction was given to the French rider who violated the new procedure for restarting a motorcycle, which was applied at the Japanese Grand Prix.
An incident occurred during a warm-up session at Motegi on Sunday morning. The rider of the Honda bike attempted to restart his motorcycle. However, the 2026 regulations no longer permit restarting a motorcycle that has broken down by pushing it against the safety barrier on the track side.
The stewards stated that the rider attempted to restart his motorcycle ahead of the safety line and in the opposite direction at Turn 9, indicating that this action posed a potential danger.
Details of the New Safety Procedure
The main objective of the new regulation is to ensure that motorcycles stopped on the track after an accident or technical issue are moved to a safe area as quickly as possible. According to the rules, a non-functional motorcycle must first be directed by marshals behind the first safety barrier. The rider can perform necessary repairs or adjustments at this stage; track marshals can provide assistance for moving, securing, or operating the motorcycle in the safe zone.
However, a critical limit is clearly stated in the regulation:
No motorcycle can be restarted by pushing it against the first safety line on the track side.
This provision was evaluated in this case.
Implications of the Penalty
This penalty arises from the violation of the safety rules implemented in the MotoGP for the 2026 season. This situation results in a different outcome for the Castrol Honda LCR rider; despite finishing in 12th place in the warmed-up session, he will now have to complete two Long Lap sections in the main race due to the penalty received.
The change in safety procedures by MotoGP for the 2026 season creates a different situation for Zarco. The French rider's penalty stems not from a competition on the track, but from the violation of these new safety rules.
What was stated:
You were seen attempting to restart a motorcycle that is not working on the track, ahead of the first safety line and in the opposite direction at Turn 9. This situation posed a potential danger to both the rider and other persons.
Figures
- Zarco is competing in 17th place with 48 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Team LCR).
- Archive: Honda Pilot Zarco Recorded: What Happened During the Race (October 2, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
