Ok, for the punch - well a precedent was set some time ago which was do nothing, but that was 'behind closed doors' and involved others so six of one, half a dozen the other in terms of comparison.
But still, you do not and should not punch or strike another rider, be that on track of off it - and as such something does need to be done irrespective of the 'side of the fence' on which you sit (and I ca see Talps salivating now as he calls for a lifetime ban)
A punishment is required and that punishment needs to reflect that no rider should be able to strike another rider in the manner done, whether it be on track, off track or whilst within the confines of an MGP controlled area (ie. a race weekend). As such, a penalty that reflects the seriousness needs to be considered.
Now, despite what Talps and others will say - this is the first time Stoner has struck another rider (as striking is different to struck out at, irrespective of intent) so first offence needs to be considered. There may well have been mitigating circumstances involved but do they outweigh that Stoner struck another rider - NO.
So, for mine it comes down to punishment and whilst I will never support an expected Talpaesque punishment Stoner needs to receive a punishment that reflects the seriousness of the event and for me, that should not include exclusion from this event as at this stage it is under investigation (besides which there would be an immediate appeal anyway, thus stalling any exclusion). For mine, a minimum would be to 'zero' his qualifying time and make him start rear of grid for at least one and maybe more races - and I do say a minimum. Added to this would be a suspended suspension of 1 race should he offend again prior to the end of season 2011 with clear instructions on what constitutes an offence (ie. does he physically need to strike or just make motion).
Importantly, if Race Direction issue a fine then it must be high enough to be seen as a deterrent and not small in nature thus it be pocket change to the rider (such as token Tennis penalties)
But, there are two parties involved here and given that RdP precipitated the offence he should not get away unpunished, but precedence dictates that he has to as no other rider has been punished similarly this weekend (or others) for similar actions. Thus a casual chat is all that is required for RdP, nothing official.
But, Race Direction now have to reap what they have sown from the past inactions and must now formally warn all riders of their obligations regarding clearing the 'fast line' and advise of what the punishment must be. They then need to be proactive and issue penalties to riders who do not clear the racing line - not wait for an incident of this nature again.
You lost me - but then at my age that is easy.
Simonelli's highside was dangerous but was racing - simple.
I would be more concerned about the actions that caused Stoner to 'lash out' in this case as they are in themselves dangerous and whilst I do not necessarily see Stoner's action as dangerous per se, I do not and will not support it or say it is acceptable under any circumstances (read above).
However again, going slow on a racing line is bloody ridiculous and does need to be addressed by race control but again, as I have said above given their past inaction they cannot penalise RdP without revisiting other indescretions of a similar nature.
