The FIM has ruled that Ducati’s controversial MotoGP rear winglet is legal and that Andrea Dovizioso’s Qatar Grand Prix victory is now final.
Following a protest lodged by Honda, Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM in the wake of Dovizioso’s season-opening win earlier this month, the FIM Court of Appeals hearing took place on Friday at the governing body’s headquarters in Mies.
The four teams that filed the complaint argued that the device, which was also used by Danilo Petrucci and Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller in Qatar, provided an aerodynamic benefit.
This claim was rejected by Ducati, which insisted its purpose is to cool the rear tyre. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the FIM declared that the device is legal and that its use cannot be protested in subsequent races.
The FIM statement announcing the decision read: “Following a hearing in Mies on Friday 22 March, the MotoGP Court of Appeal handed down its decision today 26 March and the parties (the four appellants, Ducati and the FIM) have been duly notified.
“On these grounds, the MotoGP Court of Appeal rules that: The appeals filed by Team Aprilia, Team Suzuki, Team Honda and Team KTM are admissible.
“The provisional race results are confirmed and are declared as final.
“The request to declare the device illegal and ban its use in future races is rejected.”
The statement added that the four protesting teams now have five days to file an appeal against the FIM’s verdict to the Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS).