A mechanic from a ‘major’ MotoGP team has been suspended from the remaining races of the 2021 season by paddock organiser the International Race Teams’ Association, after he was found to have faked a PCR test certificate in order to gain access to a recent race in what remains a tightly-controlled paddock.
MotoGP remains under tight COVID controls, with every member of the series expected to submit a valid PCR test ahead of every race of 2021 regardless of vaccination status.
Speaking in an email issued to teams on Monday, IRTA boss Mike Trimby said his organisation was disappointed to have discovered that the rules had been broken and had taken immediate action to punish the unnamed team member for the infraction.
“We are disappointed to have to report that a mechanic in a major team has submitted a negative PCR test result from a Quiron Prevencion laboratory that was actually a poorly modified version of a previous test,” said the veteran logistics boss.
“The championship takes this matter very seriously. Huge efforts have been made to keep the paddock a safe working environment in the interests of the health of all participants.
“The pass of the person involved has been blocked and he will not be permitted to attend events or tests until further notice. This sanction will apply until, at least, the end of 2021.”
PCR testing has become something of a bone of contention within the paddock as the coronavirus pandemic has subsided, thanks to the significant costs attached to it.
With each test costing anywhere from €80-€150, it has added a considerable unexpected expense to team budgets – and has had an even bigger impact on the large number of independent contractors in the paddock who pay for their own expenses.
Earlier this year, SIC58 Moto3 team boss Paolo Simoncelli estimated that his bill throughout the pandemic for testing both his Moto3 and CEV teams would be close to €70,000 – something that many have questioned as the world gradually returns to normal and vaccine certificates become the norm for admission to major events rather than the PCR tests.
