Next week, MotoGP will return with the Spanish Grand Prix to a Europe with which WSBK is already celebrating its reappearance this weekend, as part of its third round of the season in Assen. A highly anticipated deadline in Jerez because there is a matter in progress which suffers less and less from being in abeyance. This is the famous suspension of the double long lap sanction that Marc Marquez must accomplish after catching Jorge Martin, then even more violently Miguel Olivaire, during the Portuguese Grand Prix. Honda's appeal, so to speak, is still awaiting judgment, which is causing frustration in the paddock. But the epilogue is coming, promises the president of the FIM Jorge Viegas who has his idea on the subject, and also his opinion on other themes…
A first decision so poorly rendered that it exuded a naivety tinged with incompetence providing all the reasons for an appeal that Honda appealed, the latter giving rise to a first assessment by the competent jurisdiction which was particularly illegible, here is the summary of the course of the double long lap sanction of which Marc Marquez is still supposed to still be fulfilled. A situation which satisfies absolutely no one, creating tensions and raising questions about the governance of MotoGP in particular, and motorcycle sport in general.
On this point, it is the president of the FIM Jorge Viegas who is in the hot seat. The latter has enough discernment to realize this so well that he seems to decide to take matters into his own hands to cut this Gordian knot. That Honda tied, if we follow the Portuguese's reasoning correctly: “ at the moment there is a suspension, but the final judgment will arrive at the beginning of next week » he comments in a short but edifying interview given to GP One.
He adds : " Sadly, the committee of commissioners made an unclear decision and Honda appealed. I spoke about it with Puig and I understand his decision to appeal ". Then he blurted out: “ if I had been Marc I would have served the sentence without appealing so as not to give the impression to people of wanting to avoid it ". An evaluation which is not trivial since it comes from the president of the FIM. It therefore reveals the dominant feeling in the paddock and among the authorities on this matter. Whatever its outcome, Honda et Marc Marquez will visibly not grow up among their peers and within leaders.
Jorge Viegas finally admits: Kawasaki and BMW are not interested in MotoGP, but he is still betting on a Suzuki comeback
Speaking of instances, shouldn't everything be reviewed in order to avoid this type of situation, damaging to the reputation of a MotoGP which claims to be in tune with Formula 1 in the world of motor sports? Jorge Viegas responds vaguely: “ obviously, the commissioners are not perfect, but they are professional and competent people. As I said before, we are always open for discussion ". And he gives an example of this spirit of openness: “ I remember when I spoke with Quarterly. He didn't want the Sprint Race, but I told him if it didn't work out, there would be no problem going back ».
Jorge Viegas ends with the situation which has reduced the starting grid to five manufacturers instead of six previously. With this conviction once again assumed that Suzuki would be ready to come back… One day: “ the situation is certainly not simple. First COVID, then the global economy. I spoke to the number 1 at Suzuki and he told me they stopped because they were working on a new type of engine. Personally, I think they will come back, but I don't know when ».
The fact remains that the succession of the Hamamatsu brand, which had been announced as certain in the short term the day after his departure, is no longer a topical subject, as one might expect: “ at the moment we have all the manufacturers in MotoGP, although Kawasaki and BMW are not interested " recognize Viegas who adds: “ in Endurance, Ducati has invested a lot and we have also seen the commitment of Aprilia, which has decided to accept this challenge in a more contained manner. Aprilia is a great manufacturer and I would obviously like to see them in SBK, but all efforts are focused on MotoGP ».
The president of the END ends with this promise: “ we all know what happened at the Portimao MotoGP round following the gravel problem. I can confirm that for the SBK round everything will be fixed and the problem definitively resolved ". Which should save the 2024 edition of its national Grand Prix in Portugal.
