Image: Simon Cudby.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager Roger DeCoster has spoken out following Ryan Dungey’s 450SX main event penalty at Detroit’s 11th round of the 2016 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

Initially credited the the 20-lap race win, Dungey was then penalised two positions by the AMA for jumping while the red cross flag was being waved due to a downed rider ahead.

DeCoster expressed his frustration with the penalty handed down to his rider, explaining that the defending champion was unable to see the red cross flag.

“The problem is that Ryan’s line was on the outside and his line of sight could not see the flagger who was on the inside holding the red cross flag at waist height,” said DeCoster.

“There were the yellow lights flashing, which means to use caution, and Ryan could see there was no bike or rider on the track and jumped as he didn’t see the flag.”

DeCoster and his team will aim to have the flag marshals change their technique and make the flags more visible to the riders in order to avoid similar situations in the future.

“After Ryan passed, the flagger stepped further out onto the track,” he added. “For the future we will push them to have the red cross flaggers wave more aggressively to be clearly seen. It’s a shame that Ryan was penalised for something that he gained nothing from in the race.”

Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson was credited with the 450SX main event victory followed by Dungey’s teammate Marvin Musquin in second place.