Ousted Moto2 rider Romano Fenati has had his FIM ban from grand prix racing extended from two races through to the end of the calendar year, following the Misano incident with Stefano Manzi.
Fenati grabbed Manzi's brake level in a shocking display of retaliation for an earlier collision between the pair during the Misano race, with Fenati handed an initial two-race ban for the incident as well as losing his current Marinelli Snipers ride and his 2019 seat with Forward Racing.
The Italian was subsequently summoned to the FIM's headquarters in Switzerland to explain himself last Tuesday, where it was decided his ban shall be extended to the end of the year.
Fenati could receive a new license for the 2019 season subject to conditions in the FIM regulations, though the Italian has suggested in several interviews he may walk away from racing altogether.
A statement from the FIM read: “Moto2 rider Romano Fenati attended a meeting at the FIM Headquarters in Mies on Tuesday 18 September following an incident in Misano during the Moto2 race on Sunday 9 September 2018.
“Mr Fenati, accompanied by his legal representative, was received by FIM President Vito Ippolito and FIM Deputy CEO and Legal Director Mr Richard Perret.
“Mr Fenati was asked to explain in person his act on the track in Misano, which has given rise to many extreme reactions in the traditional media and on social media platforms.
“During the meeting, the FIM representatives emphasised the Federation’s deep concern for the safety of all riders and other participants in motorcycling competitions.
“They also highlighted the importance it attaches to fair play in motorcycling sport.
“While acknowledging that riders, and in particular those who reach the highest level of the sport, are subject to many pressures both on and off the track, they reminded Mr Fenati of the profound influence high-level athletes can have on fans and young people and urged him to be mindful of his responsibility to set a positive example in future.
“Following the discussion with the rider and his representative, the FIM decided to withdraw Mr. Fenati’s FIM licence until the end of the current calendar year.
“A new FIM licence for the 2019 season may be granted to him subject to the conditions laid down in the FIM Regulations.”
Many riders across the grand prix classes condemned Fenati's actions and called for a lifetime ban for the Italian.
However, while not condoning his actions, some have since come out in defence of Fenati over his depiction in the media following the incident, with Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso commenting that the media handled the coverage “in the wrong way”.
Fenati's place at the Marinelli Snipers team has been taken by Xavi Cardelus for the remainder of the 2018 Moto2 campaign.
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