Following the FIM MotoGP Stewards decision to suspend Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) from the Czech GP, Aprilia Racing appealed the decision to the FIM Appeal Stewards.
The FIM Appeal Stewards have since communicated that they have upheld the decision taken by the FIM MotoGP Stewards – meaning Aprilia lost that appeal and Bezzecchi remains suspended from the Czech GP.
Now, there is a final appeal Aprilia Racing would be able to make, which is to the CAI. Normally something that needs to be undertaken within five days. However, there is a provision for an expedited process and the possibility of granting a stay of execution on a penalty – here’s the rulebook:
3.7.5
Effect of an appeal
On request of one of the parties, the CAl may decide a stay of the provisional execution adjudicated by the FIM Appeal Stewards by injunction or in its decision in accordance with article 3.7.6 of this Code.
Article 3.7.6 states the following:
Provisional measures
Decisions are enforceable as soon as they are notified.
That means that the penalty is enforceable on Sunday. However it continues:
A party may apply to the CAl for a stay of execution of the contested decision, as well as for interim measures, by means of a reasoned application(…).
The rulebook continues to explain how that works:
3.7.7
In deciding whether to grant the measures requested, the CAl shall take into account the risk of irreparable harm to the applicant, the prospects of success of the application on the merits and the importance of the applicant's interests as compared with those of the defendant.
At the reasoned request of a party, the decision granting or refusing provisional measures may be modified at any time in the event of change in circumstances by the CAl.
Expedited procedure
In justified cases of urgency, the introduction of an expedited procedure may be requested by one of the parties by means of a reasoned application addressed to the CAl or may be decided by the CAl on its own initiative.
Whether the appeal does now go further remains to be determined – if it does, there is a possibility of Bezzecchi starting the Czech GP if there is a stay of execution granted, or if an expedited process saw the appeal prove successful. The CAI could also change the ruling to something even harsher. As yet, there is no confirmation from Aprilia Racing whether a further appeal will be lodged or not.