Marquez Given Stay of Execution on MotoGP Penalty

Marquez Given Stay of Execution on MotoGP Penalty
Repsol Honda Team's Marc Marquez and CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team's Miguel Oliveira after crashing during the MotoGP race of the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on March 26, 2023. Marcelo Del Pozo/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

Honda’s Marc Marquez has been granted a stay of execution on a penalty imposed for his crash with Miguel Oliveira in the Portuguese season-opener, MotoGP said on Thursday.

Oliveira was in second place in the opening stages when six-times premier class champion Marquez locked up and barged straight into the RNF Racing rider, with both crashing out.

The Spaniard apologized for his mistake and accepted a double long lap penalty for the second round in Argentina, but was then ruled out of the race due to a hand fracture.

MotoGP then said it would carry forward his penalty to the next race he enters, a decision appealed by Honda.

Marquez is not racing in Texas this weekend as he recovers from a hand injury.

Oliveira, who also missed the race in Argentina due to a tendon injury to his right leg, was passed fit on Thursday to compete in the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin.

If the MotoGP Court of Appeal cannot reach a verdict before the Spanish Grand Prix that comes after Austin, Marquez will be free to race without penalty at that race in Jerez.