Qatar Moto3: Guevara, Foggia, Suzuki sent to back of the grid

Three Qatar pre-race favourites sent to the back of the Moto3 grid for irresponsible riding in qualifying.

06 Mar 2022

Izan Guevara, Moto3, Qatar MotoGP, 5 March 2022
© Gold and Goose

Race day for the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix began with the news that three high-profile Moto3 riders have been sent to the back of the grid, and given at least one long-lap penalty, for irresponsible riding in qualifying.

Izan Guevara (1st) and Tatsuki Suzuki (9th) were penalised for riding slowing on the racing line at turn one, after leaving the pits, disturbing other riders.

The FIM Stewards, having cracked down hard on such bad behaviour last year, further signalled they will not be softening their stance in 2022 by also giving long-lap penalties to the trio.

Guevara and Suzuki will have to serve one long-lap during the race but hardest hit is reigning Moto3 title runner-up Foggia, due to start from fifth, who will have to serve two long laps, in addition to starting at the back.

The Leopard star not only held up other competitors when he joined the track from the pits, but weaved dangerously on the home straight to try and break the slipstream for following riders.

The new Moto3 grid line-up is thus led by Ayumu Sasaki, from Jaume Masia and Andrea Migno.

Meanwhile Guevara, Suzuki and Foggia will take inspiration from Pedro Acosta's stunning victory from pit lane at Qatar last year...