SEPANG – MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could be facing a fine or imprisonment for the Spaniard for breaching sports bubble protocols during the 2022 MotoGP pre-season testing currently held at the SIC.
The Aprilia rider had breached Covid-19 protocols on Thursday when he was part of the shakedown test here at SIC.
Espargaro had posted pictures of himself cycling on his Instagram account in Putrajaya − about 20km away from the hotel nearby the paddock, where MotoGP teams are confined to.
The sports bubble only allows team members to travel between the hotel and the circuit during their time here.
The breach prompted SIC officials to send out an email to the MotoGP governing body − Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) − warning that failure to adhere to Covid-19 bubble restrictions would result in a referral to the relevant authorities.
Espargaro has since sent a letter of apology to the Malaysian government regarding his violations − stating that he was unaware of the circuit training restrictions − and vowed not to repeat the offence.
Speaking to members of the media at the circuit today, Youth and Sports Ministry recreational sports development director Nor Azli Mohamad Daud said the decision on Espargaro’s breach will be decided by the Health Ministry.
“There will be some sort of punishment but the decision is not up to us as this is a matter that has been left to the Health Ministry,” he said.
However, when speaking to media, Espargaro said that everything had been sorted out after he explained the situation.
“Everything is done − I have already given my explanation − so I’m relaxed,” said the number 41 rider.
According to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 342, any parties in breach of Covid-19 protocols are subject to either a maximum fine of RM1,000 or face imprisonment of not more than two years. – The Vibes, February 6, 2022
