Montmeló (Spain) (AFP)
Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) was penalized retrospectively and moved from 4th to 6th place in the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix for riding "without his leather suit properly attached and without the required chest protector", organizers said on Sunday.
The championship leader finished the race shirtless, the suit open and having visibly got rid of his pectoral protection, without being able to explain this event after the GP won by the Portuguese Miguel Oliveira (KTM).
The Frenchman crossed the finish line in 3rd place behind his compatriot Johann Zarco (Ducati-Pramac).
But he had already been penalized by three seconds for cutting a corner irregularly, losing his place on the podium in favor of Australian Jack Miller (Ducati).
Despite this 6th final place, Quartararo remains first in the championship after seven races but is only 14 points ahead of Zarco.
Spanish defending champion Joan Mir (Suzuki) and Quartararo's Spanish teammate at Yamaha Maverick Vinales pass 4th and 5th in the Catalan GP.
© 2021 AFP