GRT Yamaha’s Lucas Mahias has been reinstated as the Portimao round winner after a hearing at the Court for Arbitration in Sport which tightens up the 2018 title fight with only one round to go.
The decision now means Mahias has been awarded 25 championship points, moving him up into third overall in the world championship standings. But on top of this championship leader Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) now only leads by five points, as he was demoted by one position down to sixth in the Portimao race.
This change of standings results in a change in the title chase at the Pirelli Qatar Round, as a win in the race for second position rider Jules Cluzel (NRT) would see him secure the crown. Cortese and Cluzel would be joint on points, but Cluzel has won more races in 2019 and therefore would be made champion.
A statement from the FIM reads:
Following the Portuguese round of the FIM Supersport World Championship, Rider Lucas Mahias (FFM) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against a decision taken by the FIM Stewards upholding his non-classification by the Race Direction in the Supersport race held at the Portimão circuit on 16 September 2018.
The Rider’s Legal Counsel requested an expedited procedure before the CAS, which the FIM accepted in the interests of a rapid resolution of the matter.
A hearing was held in Lugano on Monday 22 October 2018 before the CAS Sole Arbitrator Mr Michele Bernasconi, at which the FIM was represented by its Deputy CEO and Legal Director Mr Richard Perret.
The CAS handed down the operative part of its Award yesterday 24th October 2018 in which it partially upheld the Rider’s Appeal against the decision taken by the FIM Stewards on 16th September 2018, restoring his classification in the Portuguese round of the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship and amending the results accordingly.
The CAS partially reformed the Decision of the FIM Stewards by imposing a fine on Mr Mahias. Both parties will share legal costs. The FIM acknowledges the decision and is satisfied that the issue has been resolved without any disruption to the Championship round taking place in Doha this weekend.