Fabio Quartararo Fined IDR 16 Million for Helmet, Blames Steward

JAKARTA - Yamaha racer, Fabio Quartararo, criticized the stewards' actions at the 2023 Malaysia MotoGP. He felt he was treated unfairly due to being fined for wearing an inappropriate helmet.

Quartararo was given a fine of one thousand euros (IDR 16.7 million) after he finished 16th in Malaysian MotoGP free practice on Saturday, November 11.

This large fine was imposed on Quartararo because he was charged with violating the rules for using driving safety devices. He is said to have removed the lock from his helmet while still on the motorbike.

Quartararo was fined due to a report from the stewards. Because of this, he said that the stewards were not doing their job properly and gave the impression of favoritism.

"The stewards are not doing their job," said the 2021 MotoGP world champion, quoted by Crash, Monday 13 November.

The 24 year old racer was angry because he realized that recently this case had become a problem. Even though he said he always does it every race, so far there has never been a problem.

On the other hand, the action of removing the helmet lock while the rider is still riding the motorbike technically violates the rules.

"I think they dropped it (the penalty) with their eyes closed and chose the people they didn't like, namely me," he said.

"I did it (unlocking the helmet) many times. I did it for years, and just yesterday they fined me. So I don't think they did their job well," said Quartararo, annoyed.

Despite the sanctions imposed because of his attitude, Fabio Quartararo managed to finish fifth in the main race of the 2023 Malaysian MotoGP, Sunday, November 12.