I've resisted jumping into the fray for some time trying to resist the knee jerk reaction, as I watched the race live. I knew that I was going to need lots of additional information to make an informed opinion. Finally lots of good slow mo and technical explanation are now available from all involved parties. I'm going to ignore idiotic and abusive responses - for now.A few key points here to discuss (as impartial as possible
My problem is race direction is terribly unclear and appears to contradict itself.
1 Marquez denies trying to slow Rossi down on purpose, however race direction does not agree and believes he did exactly that. This confirms Rossi's statements at the Thursday pre event press conference. However, this IS NOT against the rules. They concluded that BOTH riders are at fault, per Mike Webb. They penalise one, despite "both" being "at fault."
2 Rossi performs a wide block pass (which is allowed) then waits for Marquez to get off the line, which he never does. Marquez initially pauses, stands the bike up - Rossi confirms this with a glance and waits - Marquez does not yield to the block - Rossi checks his own line briefly and then back to Marquez again - again Marquez does not yield to the block. Rossi finally abandons the block and continues into the turn - almost simultaneously Marquez creates contact by throttling into Rossi's bike making contact with the left leg. Briefly after, Marquez crashes. There are multiple slow motion video available to substantiate this fact.
3 Race direction says there is no conclusive video evidence to support either riders claim of intention, pertaining to the "kick" despite the fact that substantial slow mo video is readily available across the internet showing Marquez creating contact and Rossi shaking off the contact; both events with eyes forward (not looking at Marquez.) This is significant because it shows intent/no intent. And it shows who actually created contact. It also shows Rossi shook of the contact by opening his hip, and slightly appearing to push. At this exact moment, Marquez front tire washes out and not at the initial moment of contact. Rossi could not have known he was pushing against Marquez's handlebar, because he was not looking at neither Marquez nor his handlebar. Race direction simply gets this wrong because they penalise the rider for irresponsible riding (creating contact and forcing another rider wide - the latter, which is NOT against the rules) and not for the "kick." They got the wrong rider for contact and block passing is actually not illegal. Whether or not pushing blindly against contact with an appendage (arm, elbow, leg) is illegal, needs to be clarified and if so, needs to be penalised.
4 Marquez was not penalised despite creating the contact and BOTH riders deemed to be at fault.
5 And finally, Lorenzo made an ILLEGAL pass under yellow and needs to be penalised.
Conclusion:
1 Unpopular as it may sound, either penalty points for Rossi should stand, with equal penalty for Marquez (3 points to the race licence and start from the back of the grid) or the whole event reevaluated under the actual factual evidence - Marquez creating contact- and interpretation to the rule pertaining to a blind push/kick reaction to contact - and a reissue of more/less points to each rider.
2 Lorenzo penalised 1 grid position for passing under a yellow flag.
Hoping to have a thoughtful discussion. Idiots will be ignored.