Marco Bezzecchi has been handed a one‑race ban after striking a race marshal in Brno, a penalty that Aprilia appealed yet lost when the stewards upheld the decision.
Near‑miss sparks the altercation
During the sprint race, the 27‑year‑old, fighting for a top‑five position, crashed into gravel on the penultimate lap. While the rider’s bike stalled, a marshal tried to lift the motorcycle and inadvertently revved it, prompting Bezzecchi to slap him in frustration.
After the incident, Bezzecchi stopped at the Aprilia paddock, sensed his action would attract a sanction, and did not apologise immediately—preferring to wait until the official verdict before confronting the wronged marshal.
Appeal loses ground, thoughts remain balanced
April Rivola, the team’s boss, lodged an appeal, but the stewards swiftly dismissed it, describing the rider’s behaviour as unsportsmanlike. Rivola publicly accepted the decision as a new precedent, acknowledging that the penalty was excessive for the team’s standards.
Bezzecchi, in his first post‑incident interview, confessed that it was a hard‑to‑accept moment, yet he said he views the ban as a “lesson” that will help him grow mentally and on track. He said, “I understood it well, it was a good outcome, I accept everything.”
His comments hint that he is willing to learn from the punishment, and he intends to return to the circuit ready to ride, focusing on improving both his composure and performance.
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