The revelation of the affair was a thunderclap, but the sanction which followed cast a chill in a MotoGP paddock which already lives under fear of the coronavirus. This is the story that Yamaha created with its engine, weak since the start of the season, and whose reliability was ultimately managed by taking routes prohibited by the regulations. The seriousness of the facts is proven, but the punishment which followed was surprising in its leniency towards the pilots. Only the manufacturer pays, and that's not to everyone's taste. Take Alex Marquez…
It is a fact that will leave its mark because beneath the politically correct silence which will allow this season of crisis to end, the veneer of trust has cracked. No matter how the facts are reported, this is a proven case of cheating. Yamaha is at the heart of this turmoil. And the manufacturer was effectively punished by officials who limited the collateral damage by shielding the brand's drivers from their wrath.
A benevolent approach which risks opening Pandora's box. Because some are clearly talking about a fool's bargain. Alex Marquez, who is an official Honda, don’t mince words. Judge for yourself: “ They don't set a good example. Taking points only from the manufacturer is a joke ».
« Yamaha was forced by its riders to do this »
« In two years, no one will remember who won the manufacturers' championship and Yamaha doesn't care. The pilots were able to benefit from it all year and it will be the same thing next year because the engines were frozen ».
Alex Marquez then becomes very clear: “ they cheated by not following the rules. The situation does not seem correct to me. I think it's unfair for drivers from other manufacturers who are fighting for the title. This sanction sets a dangerous precedent because now everyone knows that in the event of an irregularity, only the manufacturer will be punished ».
« All drivers know what they are driving and if a new block is installed. I think Yamaha was forced by their riders to do this because they lacked reliability and power. They were forced to do it ". This is called making a serious accusation against Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo et Valentino Rossi as Franco Morbidelli...
