From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, October 6

OPEN LETTER FROM FIM PRESIDENT FRANCESCO ZERBI TO ALL RIDERS OF ALL DISCIPLINES AND TO THE FIM OFFICIALS IN CHARGE OF ENFORCING THE RULES (JURY, REFEREES, CLERKS OF THE COURSE)

Dear riders,

The things that have happened during recent weeks compel me to write to you the following: The sport since antiquity has been an example of good behaviour, loyalty and correctness. Today, in particular, with fast and widespread communication systems, the sporting champions, and particularly our champions, are seen by hundreds of millions of spectators and represent an example to be followed, especially by the young.

All the sportsmen who compete, but especially the champions, have a civic and moral duty to behave in the most correct way possible, not only on the track but also outside competition venues, because they represent an example which is to be followed by young people.

This is the reason why all you riders must be aware of the fact that you are not only a symbol of strength, courage and skill, but also an example of loyalty, correctness and respect for the rules.

The FIM must take into account the interests of all the parties that constitute our world and must determine and enforce the standards which make possible and govern the running of our Championships.

It is for all these above-mentioned reasons that I invite the riders to remember their duties towards all the amateurs and I invite our officials to be vigilant towards the respect of the rules and to intervene, as is their duty, in cases of infraction made by anyone. Convinced that you will understand the spirit that motivates this letter, I wish you all a good journey.

Chers pilotes,

Francesco Zerbi
FIM President



And now, some reader reaction:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Someone has obviously had the unmitigated gall to criticize the FIM.

Another item:

Has anyone noticed that several 250cc GP riders have requested minimum weights for combined bike and rider in 250? Apparently one of the major complainers is Elias and his team, as Pedroso weighs only around 97 lbs. while Elias is a fat pig of around 125 lbs. Here is the rub, in my opinion: I weigh about 270. Yeah, I could take off a few pounds, but even in pretty good shape I’d be in the 230’s (I’m a big guy). There is just no way I can compete against Elias, much less Pedroso, on a 250 with the current rules.

So where do we set the minimum bike and rider limit for 250’s? I say 250 kilos, about 550 lbs. – then we are all on an equal playing field. If some 350 pound guy comes along and wants to be competitive we will, of course, need to alter the rules. I am SURE Elias and his team will be all for this, and lead weights are fairly cheap so there’s no dramatic expense to teams.

In the interim I suggest Elias go on a diet and have any unnecessary organs removed (real riders only need one kidney, and I hear he has both lungs, too).

Just an idea, if you think it’s good forward it to Zerbi – you know the FIM is all ears.

Gary Hilliard
Dover, Delaware