Team Pons suffers a blow already on day one of the Moto2 round at Austin. The Spanish team will have to do without Stefano Manzi, as the rider has been barred from participating by Race Direction for not having respected the regulation

And just what did Manzi do, you’re asking yourselves. The VR46 and team Pons rider did not ask the FIM stewards for permission to compete in the Supersport round at Jerez last weekend, as a replacement for the injured Verdoia aboard the GMT94 team’s Yamaha R6. He therefore violated article 1.15.1.2.B.d of the regulation, which states that riders must ask Race Direction in advance for authorisation to compete in any other championship, despite the SBK series also being managed by Dorna.

Interviewed by Sky, Manzi commented: "I didn’t expect it. Yesterday when they told me there would be a sanction, I was shocked and this morning I received confirmation that I would be missing Friday’s sessions. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t do it with any malicious intent and we didn’t race at a track that we will go to with Moto2 this season. I don’t see what I’ve done wrong, but the regulation is what it is. I’ve been penalised for a lack of communication between the team, IRTA and Dorna. I have nothing else to add really".

Translated by Heather Watson

MotoGP: agreement with Termas de Rio Hondo circuit is extended