MOTOGP SETS OUT ESCALATING PENALTIES FOR MISSED FAN EVENTS

MotoGP riders who skip required promotional appearances could face penalties ranging from a warning to a grid drop, according to details reported after an email outlining the system was sent to teams at the Australian Grand Prix.

The measures build on reports from the Indonesian Grand Prix that riders would be fined €5,000 for missing events, starting with the Hero Walk autograph session. The reported escalation begins with a warning for a first offence, followed by a €5,000 fine for a second. A third absence would bring a €10,000 fine; a fourth would mean €15,000 and referral to the FIM stewards, who would issue an official warning.

Further breaches carry sporting consequences. A fifth offence would require a rider to miss part of a practice session, while a sixth would result in a grid penalty. The precise size of that drop has not been specified. The same requirements will apply to Moto2 and Moto3, although their fines will be different.

Riders are expected to spend at least 10 minutes at the Hero Walk and attend all pre-race promotional activities as well as the Thursday press conference. Exceptions may be considered for injured riders or those with other commitments.

The policy follows a dispute over Marc Marquez’s absence from a karting event at the Japanese Grand Prix. He sent a stunt double instead, explaining that he needed to ice his injured shoulder before the race and had to prioritise himself while fighting for the title.

Riders have also raised concerns about the time demanded of them, particularly as the 2027 race format is expected to add pressure to their schedules. The new penalty ladder makes clear that missing promotional duties could now affect not only riders’ finances, but also their track time and starting position.