Moto2: Marquez punished for Wilairot collision

World championship leader Marc Marquez to start Australian Moto2 Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

Moto2 World Championship leader Marc Marquez will have to start Sunday's Australian Grand Prix from the back of the grid for causing a big accident in Friday morning practice.

Marquez, seeking to make up for time lost in an earlier fall, continued at high speed after the chequered flag - and slammed into the back of a slower-moving Ratthapark Wilairot through turn two.

The incident was examined by Race Direction, who reprimanded M�rquez for 'riding in an irresponsible manner' with a one-minute penalty to be added to his best lap time in Saturday's qualifying session.

M�rquez's team lodged an appeal against the decision, following which FIM stewards confirmed the decision of Race Direction.

Wilairot was airlifted to hospital for precautionary medical checks, while Marquez walked away from the incident with minor injuries and was able to take part in the afternoon session, which he finished in 17th place.

Repsol Suter rider Marquez took the title lead by one point from Stefan Bradl at the previous Japanese round. Kalex rider Bradl was fastest on combined Friday practice times at Phillip Island.

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