Image: Supplied.

A three-place grid penalty and long lap have been handed to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira for today’s Animoca Brand’s Australian MotoGP following an illegal practice start and being slow on the racing line during qualifying.

Oliveira’s first offence came in Q1 when he did a practice start at the exit of the Southern Loop before the chequered flag was displayed.

The Thailand GP winner then impeded Gresini Racing’s Enea Bastianini later that lap at Lukey Heights while the Italian was attempting to secure a top-two position in the session to transfer through to Q2. Seeing the Portuguese rider initially qualified P21, the penalty means he will start the 27-lap bout this afternoon from the back of the grid in 24th.

“On 15 October 2022 at 2:24 pm during the MotoGP QP2 session of the Animoca Brand’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix you [Oliveira] were observed as making a practice start at turn two before taking the chequered flag and while the session was still active,” the official sanction read.

“Whilst completing this lap you also disturbed rider #23 [Bastianini] at turn nine by riding slowly on the racing line.

“This contravenes the specific instructions given to MotoGP competitors and teams, disrupting the session, and is considered irresponsible riding causing danger to other competitors.”

The long lap penalty is located outside turn four, Miller Corner, with the 2022 Australian MotoGP race commencing at 2:00 pm.