From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, April 25/le 25 avril 2003

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix

South African Grand Prix: decision of the FIM Stewards

The FIM has decided to take action against the participation of the Harris WCM motorcycle in its current technical configuration in the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix, in the MotoGP class. At the beginning of February, the WCM team was requested by the FIM to provide evidence that the motorcycle Harris WCM was built according to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Technical Regulations. A technical inspection was due to take place when the engine was ready. Subsequently, drawings were provided by the team together with the information that the motorcycle would not be ready and would not compete in the first two Grand Prix (Japan and South Africa).

Nevertheless, the WCM team was effectively present in Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix (but did not take part in the last qualifying practice session nor in the race). At the South African Grand Prix in Welkom, two members of the FIM Technical Panel, Messrs Oriol Puig Bulto (President) and Fabio Fazi (Vice-President), examined the Harris WCM and concluded that this motorcycle was not in conformity with Art. 2.2.1 of the Road Racing Grand Prix World Championship Regulations – Technical Regulations (eligibility of a prototype motorcycle).

The matter was put forward to the Race Direction in the first instance, and then brought forward to the FIM Stewards yesterday evening at the circuit of Welkom. The FIM Stewards took the decision to disqualify the two Harris WCM motorcycles from the South African Grand Prix for non conformity with Art. 2.2.1 of the Road Racing Grand Prix World Championship Regulations – Technical Regulations.

An appeal to the International Disciplinary Court may be lodged within 5 days against the decision of the FIM Stewards.