MotoGP could punish riders that fail to attend promotional events during grand prix weekends with grid penalties, rather than the current system of fines.
At present, riders can be hit with financial penalties for failing to attend autograph sessions, press conferences, media activities and parade laps, but the Grand Prix Commission (GPC) wants more effective penalties, and believes grid drops and the like would guarantee riders turn up.
Governing body the FIM confirmed the news following a GPC meeting on Friday: "A number of obligations for riders to participate in promotional activities, already contained in the participation agreements between IRTA and the teams, will now also be included in the grand prix regulations.
"Such obligations include the requirement for riders to participate in autograph signing sessions, press conferences, parade laps, etc.
"The effect is that non-compliance by riders can now result in sporting penalties in addition to the financial penalties contained in the participation agreements."
FIM has yet to confirm exactly what "sporting penalties" will be applied, but it's believed grid penalties are the most likely option.
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