Moto2: Romano Fenati’s license taken by the Italian Motorcycle Federation. Federal Court hearing set for September 14.

The Italian Motorcycle Federation (IMF) has withdrawn Romano Fenati’s racing license with immediate effect AND begun a process for legal moves against the rider.

The IMF has met today (September 11th) for the first round of proceedings against Fenati following his actions in Sunday’s Moto2 race where he grabbed Stefano Manzi’s bike front brake lever at 130mph. Manzi managed to avoid a crash but Fenati’s actions have won him worldwide condemnation from the racing community.

Fenati subsequently lost his ride for this year with the Marinelli Snipers Moto2 team plus his agreed contract with MV Agusta as part of a two-rider team in 2019 (amazingly, Manzi was due to be the other rider with MV for next year, his contract remains in place).

Fenati publicly apologised for his actions yesterday (Monday) but today it has emerged that the IMF are now taking things further.

Here’s the actual statement from the IMF: “On 11 September 2018 the Federal Tribunal of the IMF met to examine the request for precautionary measures against Romano Fenati presented by the Federal Prosecutor Antonio De Girolamo.

“At the expense of Romano Fenati (vice president of the Italian Motorcycling Academy Motorcycle Club, IMF card holder and in possession of an IMF Elite license), the violation of article 1.2 of the Justice Rules is contested in relation to the incident occurred on 9 September 2018 during the Race of the Moto 2 World Championship of the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix against the competitor Stefano Manzi.

“Given the seriousness of the facts, the request of the Federal Prosecutor has been fully accepted and the Federal Court has therefore ordered for Romano Fenati the suspension of any sporting and federal activity with consequent withdrawal of the card and speed license, also fixing the hearing of the same – who has the right to be assisted by a lawyer – for 14 September 2018.”