MotoGP stewards have rejected a protest over Ducati’s new aerodynamics, leaving the results from this evening’s opening MotoGP as they finished, with Andrea Dovizioso taking the victory from Marc Marquez.
The factory Ducati man beat the reigning World Champion to the chequered flag by 0.023 in the opening round of the season. However, doubts over the result arose when news broke of a protest by the factory Honda, Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM teams concerning Ducati’s rear tyre aero device.
This prompted a hearing by FIM stewards who deemed Ducati had not broken any rules with the piece and the protest was thrown out.
Had it been upheld, both factory Ducati riders could have been disqualified, however, with the rejection, the results stand.
The case has now been referred to the FIM Court of Appeal and a final decision should be made before Argentina.