Marco Bezzecchi Apologises for Assaulting Marshal, Securing Czech GP Suspension

Marco Bezzecchi has issued an apology following his ban from the Czech Grand Prix after he struck a marshal.

The series’ points leader fell out of favor with the stewards when footage emerged showing an altercation with a marshal during Saturday’s sprint.

After crashing on the penultimate lap, the 27‑year‑old rode toward his factory Aprilia, where trackside marshals were retrieving the stranded motorcycle. On‑board footage captured a marshal revving the engine—apparently unintentionally—while lifting the bike from the gravel.

The incident appeared to agitate Bezzecchi, who was subsequently observed pushing and striking the marshal during a heated confrontation.

After the race, the stewards summoned him for a hearing and ultimately imposed a ban from Sunday’s Brno race for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Aprilia lodged an appeal on Saturday evening, which was rejected. Although the steward panel, chaired by Simon Crafar, acknowledged that riders may “experience heightened emotion immediately following an incident,” they emphasized that “such circumstances cannot excuse or justify physical aggression directed toward circuit personnel performing their official duties.”

On Sunday morning, Bezzecchi released his first public statement, asserting that there is no justification for his actions.

“I would like to apologise to the entire MotoGP community for my behaviour toward the trackside marshal,” he wrote. “I am also sorry, aware of the considerable effort and sacrifice marshals make to ensure our safety.”

“This behaviour should not happen and there is no justification for it. I apologise to everyone, Aprilia Racing, and all my fans.”

During Sunday morning warm‑up, Bezzecchi approached the marshal positioned at Turn 3 to personally apologise for his actions.

Aprilia responds

Following Bezzecchi’s statement, Aprilia confirmed it would take no further action.

“As Aprilia Racing, we filed an appeal yesterday that was rejected, so we accept the penalty and will not appeal to the CAI (International Court of Appeal),” it said.

Regarding the purpose of the original appeal, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said the penalty appeared disproportionate to the incident.

“We apologised to the steward, accepted the penalty, and, as a team, we do not tolerate this type of behaviour from the rider,” he told DAZN. “Nevertheless, we appealed because we believe the penalty was disproportionate to the action committed.”

“We have one less race. As I said when things were good, the championship is a long season. I said it when things were good, and I repeat it now.”

“Marco, as you can imagine, is disappointed. These young riders can experience adrenaline rushes, but that in no way justifies his actions.”

With Bezzecchi absent, the factory Aprilia team will contest the Czech GP with only one rider — Jorge Martin.

Bezzecchi risks losing his points lead on Sunday, as his advantage over Martin has already been reduced to 15 points.

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