MotoGP: Scooters banned from track after Sepang crash

Scooters have been banned from on-track use during the Thursday track familiarisation session that takes place at every round of the MotoGP championship, after a crash during yesterday’s at Sepang.

A fall from Italian Moto3 rider Fabio Spiranelli with Japanese rider Tatsuki Suzuki riding pillion left the pair in the medical centre for treatment and prompted the ban being put in place by paddock organisers IRTA.

The news will be a big blow to many in the paddock, with most of the series’ riders making the most of the Thursday session to inspect the track, often with crew chiefs or rider coaches.

And one of those who will most dislike the news will be Valentino Rossi, who normally uses the time to make laps of the circuit with his VR46 Academy protégés on pillion.