MotoGP leader Marco Bezzecchi has extended his apologies to the entire MotoGP community, including his team Aprilia Racing and his fans, for his conduct towards a track marshal. The incident resulted in his disqualification from the Czech Grand Prix. Bezzecchi expressed his regret, stating, “I am also sorry because I know all the efforts and sacrifices marshals make to ensure our safety.”
The emotional scenes were captured by MotoGP cameras on Sunday, showing the Italian rider shaking hands with the marshal, embracing him, offering him gifts (his gloves), hugging him again, and then shaking hands with the rest of the marshal team.
The Incident: What Happened Between Bezzecchi and the Marshal
During Saturday’s sprint race at the Czech Grand Prix, Bezzecchi crashed while in fifth position, marking his fourth sprint race fall. As he ran back to his bike, marshals were attempting to lift it. In his haste to rejoin the race, Bezzecchi pushed a marshal, hitting him in the face. Moments later, as the marshal addressed Bezzecchi, the Italian slapped him. The footage leaves no room for interpretation.
Following the incident, Bezzecchi was disqualified from Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix. Aprilia initially appealed the decision, but their appeal was ultimately rejected. The team subsequently accepted the penalty and withdrew their appeal. “We appealed yesterday because we felt the penalty was disproportionate to the act committed, but now it is fair and we accept it,” stated Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, to DAZN. “As a team, we do not tolerate this kind of behavior from a rider.”