Motegi race winner Fabio Quartararo has been disqualified from the result of the Moto2 Japanese Grand Prix after his Speed Up machine was found to have been running illegal tyre pressures.
Quartararo triumphed in a tense race with fellow soon-to-be MotoGP rookie and Moto2 standings leader Francesco Bagnaia in a 22-lap race in Japan, marking his second win of the season.
However, the Frenchman was later disqualified after it was found his rear tyre was running pressures below those advised by supplier Dunlop.
An FIM statement read: “On 21 October 2018 during the Moto2 Race of the Motul Grand Prix of Japam, your machine failed the post-race Technical Control, in that the rear tyre pressure was found to be lower than the parameters advised by the Official Supplier.
“This contravenes the Article 2.5.4.9.1. of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.
“You were summoned to attend a hearing with the MotoGP Stewards Panel. You attended the hearing and acknowledged the facts presented.
“For the above motive, the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel has imposed on you a disqualification from Moto2 Race of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.”
Quartararo and Speed Up had 30 minutes following the official announcement to lodge an appeal, though a post from the Frenchman on his Twitter page suggests no further action has been taken by the team.
“Disqualified. Tyre pressure was 0.02[psi] too low. Really happy about my weekend. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,” read Quartararo's post.
Quartararo's disqualification means Bagnaia has now been awarded the win, while his main title rival Miguel Oliveria moved up to third in the results. This moves Bagnaia 37 points clear in the standings heading to Phillip Island.
