The MotoGP Court of Appeal has requested a ‘stay of execution’ on which to make a decision over whether Marc Marquez’s penalty imposed at the 2023 MotoGP opener still stands.

As a result, the ruling - which comprises a double long-lap penalty to be taken by Marquez - is suspended until a final verdict is made in due course.

Marquez was ruled at fault by FIM Stewards for triggering an accident during the Portuguese MotoGP that eliminated himself and Miguel Oliveira.

However, the original communication stated Marquez is obliged to serve the penalty at the following Argentina MotoGP round. When it was confirmed Marquez would be forced to miss the event due to injury, the FIM re-issued the ruling with revised wording that stated Marquez was to take the penalty when he is next able to compete.

As a result, Repsol Honda have moved to contest the penalty, arguing it should stand as it was originally issued, in effect rendering the double long lap penalty as being applicable only in Argentina.

The matter was referred to the MotoGP Court of Appeal, who will make a final decision ‘in due course’

“On 26 March 2023, in the MotoGP™ Race of the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal, the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel imposed a Double Long Lap Penalty on Mr Marc Marquez, Rider #93. On 28 March 2023, the same FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel notified the Application of the Sanction imposed on the rider to clarify the scope of its applicability.

“Following the appeal from the rider and the HRC - Repsol Honda Team against the Application of the Sanction, the FIM Appeal Stewards decided to refer the case to the MotoGP Court of Appeal on 29 March 2023.

“As a result, the MotoGP Court of Appeal ruled on the request to stay the execution of the Application of the Sanction submitted by the Appellants.

“A decision granting the stay of execution of the Application of the Sanction was rendered on 12 April 2023 and notified the same day to the Appellants. A final decision on the appeal will be rendered in due course.

CLICK HERE for the full communication from the MotoGP Court of Appeal