MotoGP: Aoyama penalized for striking marshal

MotoGP officials have penalized Hiroshi Aoyama for an incident with a marshal during third practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi.

Aoyama had a minor low-side crash in the Saturday morning session, but was able to rejoin and ride his damaged Aspar Honda back to the pits. A statement from race direction said that Aoyama "struck a marshal on the arm whilst he was recovering his motorcycle in the runoff area. This is considered to be an action prejudicial to the interests of the sport."

Aoyama has had one penalty point put on his race license as punishment for the incident. He did not appeal.

The 32-year-old is currently Japan's only full-time representative in MotoGP, but is looking for a new ride for 2015 after Aspar signed Eugene Laverty to replace him alongside Nicky Hayden. Aoyama said earlier in the Motegi weekend that he hopes to be able to announce a new deal within the next week.