Moto2 rider Angel Piqueras has become the first rider punished for breaching MotoGP’s new restart rule.

The QJMOTOR MSI rider crashed early in the grand prix, but was then ‘observed to attempt to re-start a non-running machine on or at the side of the track, in front of the first line of protection at Turn 12.’

That broke the new rule which requires any non-running machine, in any track session, to be moved ‘behind the first line of protection’ before an attempt is made to restart the engine.

Although the official race notes state that Piqueras crashed out and did not rejoin, his attempt to do so has earned the Spaniard a double long-lap penalty for this Sunday’s US Grand Prix at COTA.

The official penalty explanation from the FIM MotoGP Stewards is as follows:

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Penalty Explanation

During all track sessions, including sighting laps, warm up lap, practices, races & sprint, including after any red flag, any motorcycle not running for any reason (eg. a crash or technical problem) will immediately be taken by the Marshals behind the safety barrier (the ‘first line of protection’).

“After a crash or technical problem, non-running machines on track or in run-off areas will immediately be taken by the marshals behind the first line of protection where the marshals may assist the rider by lifting and/or holding the machine whilst repairs and/or adjustments are made.

Any repairs or adjustments must be made behind the first line of protection, e.g. in the service road, by the rider working alone with no outside assistance except that given by the marshals.

Marshals may assist the rider to push the machine in order for the rider to restart the machine in the service road. No machines may be push-started track side of the first line of protection. No person other than marshals or riders are permitted on the track side of the first line of protection”

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