Should Tom Vialle have been disqualified?!
Did you also watch the Finnish Grand Prix on TV?! Then you have also seen the following images in the first series! An illegal act by Tom Vialle's mechanic!
The current regulations book states: 2. ENTRIES, RIDERS AND TEAMS => 2.10 Rider Behavior and Assistance, under points 20 and 21 the following.
“20. When the riders are on the course, consultation between them and team members is restricted to the pit lane. Riders who stop along the course to consult with others may hinder the progress of other riders, and such action will be considered as outside assistance.”
“21. Only the following signals are allowed between riders/motorcycles and persons connected with them: data and images from official timekeeping transponders and on-board cameras, pit board messages displayed in approved areas and “body language” communication by the rider. Radio communication with riders is strictly forbidden.”
“20. When the pilots are on the course, consultation between them and team members is limited to the pit lane. Riders who stop along the course to confer with others may impede the progress of other riders, and such action will be considered outside assistance.”
“21. Only the following signals are permitted between riders/motorcycles and persons associated with them: data and images from official timekeeping transponders and on-board cameras, pit board messages displayed at approved locations and “body language” communication by the rider. Radio communication with the riders is strictly prohibited.”
In Tom Vialle's situation, the pit board was shown in an unauthorized location (see video & photo), in full view during the TV Broadcast. A punishment for this pronounced by an FIM official present could have been perfect, the FIM officials are the referees of motocross if they do not intervene?! The Yamaha team could also have quickly gone to the FIM officials within thirty minutes and with 660 euros to file a complaint. No stones here at the Yamaha by the way, 30 minutes is a ridiculously short period of time to sift through the rule book of about 180 pages and file a properly formulated complaint. In addition, you need a lot of cash in your pocket for such a complaint or would they allow a credit card?! Back to the matter…
This complaint could have determined the world championship because then the FIM would have had to determine a penalty, which could range from:
• warning
• fines, with a maximum of € 10.000
• penalties with time and/or points
• put back in the results
• disqualification
• suspension for a period of up to 30 days, starting from the date of the violation
• loss of the right to participate in the championship/competition, which may be applied to one or more events
For the infringement by the mechanic of Tom Vialle and the KTM team, disqualification is stated in the “Rules Book” at 4. OFFICIALS AND PROCEDURES => 4.11 Publication of Decisions:
“On the course/in the “goggle exchange lane”: any consultation/signalling between others and a rider (except in the pit lane); = Disqualification from the respective practice/race;” Translation: “On the course/in the goggle exchange lane”: any consultation/signal between others and a driver (except in the pit lane); = Disqualification of the person concerned in the training/competition;”.
A missed opportunity for Jago Geerts who could have left Finland as a great victor. Mentally he still does this, because even after a difficult match the Balenaar still came out of the battle with a 15 point lead in the world championship and that with only two Grand Prix races to go!
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven – Photo: KTM Images Ray Archer
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