As if being involved in a first-race, first-corner pile-up was not enough at Most, 2021 WorldSSP Champion and points leader Dominique Aegerter found himself unable to start race two as he was banned.

Two no scores when it could well have been another two wins. The melee at turn one was unfortunate for him, but it was his actions right afterwards that got him into serious trouble with the racing bosses.

Standing up to get to his bike, he suddenly fell on the floor again, and it looked like he was hurt or concussed. With Aegerter surrounded by marshals the race went on, and no red flag was thrown.

Initial reports afterwards were that he had suffered a concussion, and a medical inspection even came to that conclusion - we must presume as no other cause was found for falling back down after standing up.

Aegerter even backed up his injury claim in an official statement, but there had been no concussion, putting the blame on Aegerter for simulation.

After investigation his actions led the FIM to impose a one race ban on Aegerter, which was enacted for race two at Most.

The FIM sanction statement read, “…you simulated a medical situation in order to delay the recovery process and in this way to force the stoppage of the race by a red flag. This is confirmed by your admission of such in a written document.”

Pretending to be injured is very unsportsmanlike behaviour, not something the motorbike racers are known for. They usually get up while injured, not the opposite. But every time the marshals and medics have to leave the safety barriers to attend to stricken riders, they are at risk. And in this case, for no valid reason. Fred Merkel did it at Mallory Park one year.

Aegerter eventually acknowledged reality and issued an apology, saying, “First of all, I am sorry about the whole situation that arose after the incident in race one. As it was a very hectic situation, I did not act correctly and made mistakes. There was a lot of pressure, adrenaline and emotions. I never wanted to put other people in danger; I want to apologise for that.”

Not only did his very high currency as a runaway leader diminish at Most, but with no scores and two wins for his biggest championship rival Baldassarri, Aegerter’s previously vast championship lead has now been cut to only 14 at the halfway point of the season.