Source: Supplied.

MotoGP race director Mike Webb has detailed the decision-making process that will result in Valentino Rossi starting from the rear of the grid for next month’s 2015 title decider at Valencia.

After the on-track clash at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix between Rossi and Marc Marquez that saw the latter crash, Webb said the penalty was handed down for “irresponsible riding” on Rossi’s behalf.

“The decision is that race direction has imposed three penalty points on Valentino Rossi for irresponsible riding, that is, deliberately causing contact,” Webb explained. “Deliberately running wide in a corner in order to try and force another rider off line.

“The result was a crash and so it’s irresponsible riding causing a crash and for that we have imposed three penalty points on Rossi. It looked like we were going to have a great race, but unfortunately it ended in an incident that’s controversial.”

Webb provided a brief insight toward the feeling of Rossi and Marquez in the meeting, however declared that the latter didn’t actually break any rules during the grand prix.

“I can give you a general feeling rather than a quote from our hearing, because obviously it a closed door hearing,” Webb continued. “Marc explained that he was riding his normal race waiting for the tyres to feel good and going fast when he could and slowing down when he had to.

“Valentino was of the opinion that Marc was deliberately slowing the pace of the race down and doing so unfairly. We listened to both riders; our opinion was that there was some fault on both sides, but as far as the rulebook goes Marquez did not make any contact, did not break any rules as such, but we feel that his behaviour was causing problems to Rossi who reacted. Unfortunately he reacted in a way that is against the rules.”

An appeal made by Yamaha to the FIM was rejected, confirming Rossi will enter the Valencia round with a seven-point advantage, but has to start his attempt from the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies.

“It’s a shame to see such a beautiful championship, that was supposed to result in one of the most exciting battles between the two Yamaha riders, be affected and almost compromised by another rider,” commented Movistar Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli.

“We should be here today dealing with Jorge’s amazing performance on track and his second place, as well as another thrilling battle among top riders but unfortunately this is not the case. We made an appeal to the FIM stewards against the penalty issued by the race direction because whilst we respect the infringement, we felt three penalty points were too harsh. We have since heard that the appeal has been rejected. We respect this final decision.”