A decision on whether the controversial Ducati swingarm device is within the MotoGP rules will be made before the Argentina round, bosses have stated today.

A hearing of the MotoGP Court of Appeal will convene to hear evidence as to whether the device is, as Ducati state, something to cool down the rear tyre or, as everyone else seems to think, a wing to add extra downforce.

A statement from the FIM reads:

Following the MotoGP Race of the VisitQatar Grand Prix on 10 March, the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel composed by Freddy Spencer (IRTA-USA), Bill Cumbow (FIM–USA) and Ralf Bohnhorst (FIM-GER) received protests from Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Repsol Honda Team and Team Suzuki Ecstar.

The protests concerned aerodynamic devices on the rear swingarm of Ducati motorcycles driven by Andrea Dovizioso & Danilo Petrucci (Team Mission Winnow Ducati) and Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing). The FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel rejected their protests.

The Teams then lodged an appeal with the FIM Appeal Stewards consisting of FIM Steward Stuart Higgs (GBR) and a second appeal Steward Cesario Samarita (PHI), appointed by the Qatar Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). In accordance with article 3.3.3.2 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, the FIM Appeal Stewards referred the case to the MotoGP Court of Appeal.

The MotoGP Court of Appeal is made up of three judges belonging to the FIM International Commission of Judges. A hearing will be organised shortly with representatives from the teams concerned.

The decision of the MotoGP Court of Appeal will be announced before the Argentinian Grand Prix on 31 March.

The result of the VisitQatar Grand Prix stands, subject to the final decision of the MotoGP Court of Appeal.