MotoGP currently operates a strict bubble policy in its paddock to combat the spread of COVID-19, which requires each member to submit a negative PCR test result before entering the circuit.
On Tuesday it emerged that a mechanic of the Avintia Team had falsified the result of a test of the Quiron laboratory in Spain, before the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna scheduled for this weekend in Misano.
Once discovered, the mechanic was suspended from accessing the MotoGP paddock until the end of 2021. A punishment that could be extended further if the IRTA (International Race Teams Association) deems it necessary. The team instead released a statement on Tuesday evening, confirming that they had fired him.
“From Avintia Esponsorama Racing we show our total compliance with all the measures adopted by Dorna and IRTA which, as well as our team policy and the code of conduct to which all its members adhere, including mechanics, technicians, family members , sponsor, or any other person close to the team, we are obliged to take specific disciplinary measures and close all relations with the member of our team, who yesterday, thanks to the great work done by Dorna and IRTA, unsuccessfully falsified a PCR test to gain access to the paddock of the Misano circuit for the next Grand Prix “, reads the statement.
“Since the team is indirectly responsible for assuming all the costs derived from the exceptional measures from the COVID-19 protocols to all its workers, with this type of action we are aware that they wanted to obtain their own benefit by putting the rest of the people who make up the team and the championship “.
Enea Bastianini, Esponsorama Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“These behaviors not only damage the image of the team, but also the rest of the paddock and the championship as a whole”.
“We would like to clarify that it is the responsibility of each team member to post their own PCR test for the organization, on an online platform for each circuit according to the guidelines which, for COVID-19 reasons, are currently in place for access to the paddock. “.
“Avintia Esponsorama Racing would like to apologize and thank Dorna and IRTA for all the efforts made to keep everyone in the MotoGP paddock safe, allowing the championship to run smoothly.”
This has cast a shadow over Avintia’s return to Misano this weekend, with the team expecting big things after Enea Bastianini scored a sensational first podium in MotoGP at the San Marino GP a month ago, on top of that with a Ducati from two years ago.
Avintia will leave MotoGP at the end of the year, with its slots being taken by Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, which currently runs Luca Marini’s bike on the other side of the Avintia garage.
Bastianini, on the other hand, will move to Gresini Racing in 2022, with rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio at his side. Both will be riding a Ducati.
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