MotoGP has announced several changes to the pit lane entry rules in response to the controversy surrounding Marc Marquez's pit stop during the sprint race at "Jerez" two weeks ago. The sprint race at the Spanish circuit began on a dry track, but the weather quickly deteriorated, turning the 12-lap distance into a heavy downpour. This necessitated stops in the pit lane for tire changes shortly after the halfway point of the race.
Marquez executed his pit stop in a highly controversial manner, as he essentially bypassed the pit lane entry, which at "Jerez" is located before the final turn, only to drop into the final corner. He then straightened up, crossed the track, and entered the pit lane to change his bike, subsequently winning the sprint without receiving any penalty.
MotoGP officials explained that no sanctions were imposed on Marquez because he did not violate any of the existing World Championship rules, despite not entering the pit lane in the usual way. However, new rules are now in effect, starting with this weekend's French Grand Prix, which require riders to enter the pit lane using the designated entry route only.
The designated route is defined by a broken white line alongside the track and is followed by a white-lined path into the pit lane. Any rider entering the pit lane without using the designated route may be penalized by the MotoGP stewards, regardless of whether the violation occurs during practice, qualifying, sprint races, or the main race.
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