Why Quartararo’s Catalunya suit penalty highlights a wider issue in MotoGP

OPINION: Fabio Quartararo racing with his leather suit open and subsequent penalty has been the main talking point of the Catalunya MotoGP weekend, which has highlighted a wider issue with MotoGP’s stewarding that risks a negative precedent going forward

Lewis Duncan Jun 8, 2021, 10:53 AM

Upd: Jun 16, 2021, 3:18 AM

Unsurprisingly, Fabio Quartararo’s decision to race on despite a suit malfunction during the Catalan Grand Prix and his subsequent penalty has split the MotoGP paddock and social media right down the middle.

With around five laps to go of the Barcelona race, Quartararo’s Yamaha leathers completely unzipped themselves and he was seen discarding his chest protector through Turn 3 before carrying on to the chequered flag with his torso completely exposed.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.