Suspended Bezzecchi issues public apology after physically assaulting a marshal

Via Instagram, Bezzecchi responded to the incident himself for the first time on Sunday morning. "I want to apologize to the entire MotoGP community for my behavior toward the marshal." The Italian acknowledges that his behavior is indefensible and also expresses his appreciation for the work of the track marshals.

"I’m also sorry because I know how much commitment and sacrifice marshals make to ensure our safety. This behavior should not have happened and there is no justification for it." Bezzecchi then addressed his team and supporters: "I apologize to everyone, to Aprilia Racing and to all my fans." He had previously offered his personal apologies to the marshal.

The incident took place on Saturday during the sprint race in Brno. Bezzecchi fell while he seemed on course for a top-five finish. After initially walking away from his bike, he returned when he realized the machine was still running while marshals were attempting to pick it up.

Video footage showed the Italian hurrying toward his Aprilia to switch off the bike. In doing so, he forcefully shoved a marshal aside with his hand to the marshal’s face. While the marshal appeared to be trying to explain that he was only attempting to lift the bike, Bezzecchi switched off his machine. He then struck the track official in the face with an open hand before walking away.

Race control then decided to intervene. The stewards ruled that Bezzecchi had pushed and struck marshals while they were recovering his motorcycle. The action was described as conduct ‘prejudicial to the interests of the sport,’ after which the championship leader was disqualified from taking part in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Aprilia did not accept that decision and appealed to the FIM MotoGP Appeal Stewards. That appeal was quickly rejected, meaning the original suspension remains fully in effect and Bezzecchi is not allowed to start this afternoon in Brno. That makes it the third consecutive zero score for the points leader: in Hungary he was taken out by teammate Jorge Martin, during the sprint in the Czech Republic he crashed due to his own mistake, and because of his suspension he again loses a chance at 25 points.

For rival Ducati, which had Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez on the sprint podium, it’s a golden opportunity. Teammate Jorge Martin, who is only 15 points behind Bezzecchi in the standings, can also make up ground. However, the Spaniard will start at a disadvantage due to his double long-lap penalty and a tenth place on the grid.

Fans were not mild toward Bezzecchi and Aprilia. Both team and rider were hit by a wave of negative reactions: not only because of the Italian’s actions, but also because his team appealed the penalty instead of publicly condemning the behavior. Many believe the punishment is too light, and some even think Bezzecchi’s racing license should be revoked.

According to the regulations, Aprilia and Bezzecchi can still turn to the Court of Arbitration International (CAI), the highest court of appeal within the FIM. In theory, that body can handle an expedited procedure or decide to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the penalty. For now, it is not known whether Aprilia will make use of that possibility.