PORTIMAO - Honda’s Marc Marquez has been granted a stay of execution on a penalty imposed for his crash with Miguel Oliveira in the Portuguese season-opener, MotoGP said. Oliveira was in second place in the opening stages when six-times premier class champion Marquez locked up and barged straight into the RNF Racing rider, with both crashing out. The Spaniard apologised for his mistake and accepted a double long lap penalty for the second round in Argentina, but was then ruled out of the race due to a hand fracture. MotoGP then said it would carry forward his penalty to the next race he enters, a decision appealed by Honda. Marquez is not racing in Texas this weekend as he recovers from a hand injury. Oliveira, who also missed the race in Argentina due to a tendon injury to his right leg, was passed fit on Thursday to compete in the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin.
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If the MotoGP Court of Appeal cannot reach a verdict before the Spanish Grand Prix that comes after Austin, Marquez will be free to race without penalty at that race in Jerez.