MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group will now fine riders who do not meet the minimum attendance requirement for promotional events, with the first penalty starting at the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Immediate €5,000 Fine for Missed Attendance
Riders failing to stay at least ten minutes during the MotoGP Hero Walk are subject to a €5,000 fine, which will be escalated for any repeat breaches.
Hero Walk – Fan Interaction Timing
The MotoGP Hero Walk runs for twenty minutes between 11:20 and 11:40 a.m., placed in the VIP Village area of the Mandalika pit lane. It sits immediately before the Moto3 race and offers paying spectators the option to meet riders, take photographs, and solicit autographs.
Potential Extension to Other Promotional Activities
The sanctioning circular that was delivered to teams this Saturday covers only the Hero Walk, but the governing body said it could expand the measures to any future promotional events if riders continue to abscond from their commitments.
Broader Context and Previous Absences
While this directive follows Marc Márquez’s body‑double appearance at a kart race ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the authorities had already been monitoring rider attendance for months. Fabio Di Giannantonio also missed that event, and similar non‑attendance has been recorded in other weeks of the season.
Possible Sporting Penalties for Repeated Offenses
Beyond the monetary fine, MotoGP indicated that sporting sanctions—yet to be defined—could be applied to riders who repeatedly violate the attendance rule.
Real‑World Conditions Affecting Compliance
During the Indonesian event, riders had to endure temperatures exceeding 30 °C while meeting fans under intense sun, making the 10‑minute minimum a significant physical request.
Future Implications for Riders and the Series
The ruling underscores the championship’s reliance on rider visibility for its brand image and is poised to reshape how teams and riders budget their promotional obligations.”
"