Race Direction gives Rossi/Stoner marshal verdict

MotoGP Race Direction has given the following verdict after investigating the behaviour of marshals attending the accident involving Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner at the previous Jerez round.

The investigation was triggered by accusations of favouritism by the marshals, as they attempted to help Rossi and Stoner re-join the race.

Rossi, whose Ducati engine remained running, was able to rejoin and finish fifth. Stoner was unable to restart the engine on his factory Honda and so forced to retire.

The Australian insists his 'undamaged' bike could have been restarted had he received greater assistance from the marshals. Stoner believes most of the marshals were only concerned with helping Rossi.

Other riders also complained that the Jerez marshals were slow to help them rejoin.

Whilst finding no official fault with the marshals, Race Direction appeared to acknowledge that there was room for improvement.

The full statement from Race Direction is as follows:

"After reviewing various videos of the incident between Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner during the race of the Grand Prix of Spain on 3 April 2011 and hearing the explanation from Juan Alvarez, Director of the Circuito de Jerez, the Race Direction has decided that the behaviour of the track marshals was safe and appropriate.

"The Race Direction recommends the current rules be reviewed by the Grand Prix Commission in order to study possible solutions that may results in better procedures."