From a press release issued by the FIM:

Le Mans, May 23

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
French Grand Prix: decision of the Race Direction and the FIM Stewards

Following the decision taken at the South African Grand Prix to disqualify the Harris WCM motorcycles (see Press Release of April 25), the Technical Director decided to refuse the Harris WCM motorcycles as eligible for the French Grand Prix, for non conformity to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Technical Regulations, Art. 2.2.1. The machines were found to be of the same design as those disqualified in Welkom (South Africa Grand Prix) and Jerez (Spanish Grand Prix).

A protest lodged by the manager of the WCM team against this decision was declared not founded by the Race Direction. This decision of the Race Direction was subsequently confirmed in appeal by the FIM Stewards.

The decision of the FIM Stewards is final.



More, from a reader, via e-mail:

Just curious–how the FIM can keep a straight face when saying that World Superbike is based on “mass produced” motorcycles when they allow Benelli and Petronas to race there?

Was there a lump in (FIM President) Zerbi’s cheek (caused by his tongue), or is this for real?

Ryan Stefani
Fort Worth, Texas