Globe Hopper: John's ridiculous ban.

Crash.net, the first website to publish the often uncompromising reports of Desiree Crossman, girlfriend of Suzuki star John 'Hopper' Hopkins, presents her latest report - written after John was controversially banned from next weekend's Malaysian GP for his part in the first corner pile-up at Motegi...

"I have to say that - although the day was bad enough - John getting suspended over a first turn collision is ridiculous.

"After the race was over, John admitted the crash was his fault and publicised his apologies to the other riders. We went back to the hotel to start packing when we got a call from the team manager saying that one of the FIM Stewards wanted to speak to John regarding the incident. So, he went down to the track and then came back saying that the FIM had suspended him from the Malaysia GP and given him a fine. There was nearly 3 hours of discussion and appealing.

"Apparently, to one of their "rules" or "codes," John was endangering other riders and is now on probation for the rest of the year, and is also classified as a dirty rider. The one thing I find funny is that they now decided to enforce suspension? It seems like it should be debated.

"From the grape vine, we heard that one of the riders complained to the FIM regarding the incident and wished to protest. How much of that is true is unknown, but can it be justified as endangering other riders? Because he openly admitted to the crash, he was suspended. However had he lied and said there was a mechanical failure on the bike (i.e. throttle got stuck, brakes didn't work, etc.) the decision could have been overthrown and there would be no suspension.

"Perhaps a slap on the wrist and a small fine, but how can anyone define endangering a rider? It's almost like a contradiction of going out and riding at 150mph wheel to wheel. Riding that close to another individual should be considered endangering, but then that wouldn't be racing.

"When I spoke to Colin (Edwards), he said, "Hey we've all done it" and Troy (Bayliss) said "it's racing". When John spoke to Carlos (Checa) about it, he said he thought (the suspension) was unfair as well, but that he could have had broken a leg or arm.

"I don't mean to sound snotty, but isn't that the risk you take when you race competitively at that level or any level for that matter? What do you expect on the first turn? "Oh please, after you. Excuse me while I nudge you ever so slightly to gain a few places." Give me a break. As I say to everyone, the start is the scariest part for me 'cause they are all out to gain those few extra places on that first turn.

"When John said to Carlos: "You can't tell me you've never taken somebody out," his only response was to walk away. Who hasn't ever taken someone out? I understand Carlos' frustration, it's frustrating for everyone including John 'cause this could of been one of Suzuki's best results all year.

"But what about these incidents:

o South Africa - Colin ran into John and took out Carlos on the straight - verdict: accident.
o Mugello - Kenny T-boned John on the 3rd lap of the race - verdict: accident.
o Catalunya - Andrew Pitt took out Akira Yanagawa and Jeremy McWilliams, putting Akira in the hospital - verdict: accident.
o Donington - Yukio (Kagayama) took out Alex Barros in the warm-up - verdict: accident.

"And they now decided to penalise? What were those incidents - where people got hurt - minor bumping?

"Had it been deliberate, and John simply said it was a mechanical failure, there is no way (the stewards) could prove it was justified as 'endangering other riders', because it was mechanical. But again, because he admitted it, he's suspended? What a slap in the face!

"It's nice to know the race and safety directors are on the look out with now three races to go. We can't argue with their decision, what's final is final. Nevertheless, it can be questioned and many seem to agree that the "punishment" is too severe. I highly doubt John thought, "Well guys I'm going down and a few of you are going down with me." I'm sure he had plenty of time to think of that.

"So, I hope that every time there is a crash involving two or more riders in the future, it's an 'endangerment' and it should apply to whatever rule the FIM is applying - whoever caused the crash, deliberate or accidental, first turn or last turn, first lap or last lap, should receive the same treatment as John did. It's only fair and just.

"Again, an apology to those who were involved in the crash today, but that's racing isn't it? It was crap what happened, it shouldn't have happened, but unfortunately it did.

"I say this with all the information I was given from conversations and from what I saw, and I think there are valid and invalid points made regarding this matter.

"Anyway, so we may go to Australia in a few days and spend time down there while we wait for Phillip Island.

"The above is my own opinion of the situation, feel free to agree or disagree..."

Des