Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez’s curse at Mandalika has continued after he collided with Marco Bezzecchi in the early stages of the Indonesian Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider, who was crowned the 2025 MotoGP champion last weekend at Motegi, has had a difficult time at Mandalika. Two crashes in practice disrupted Marquez on Friday, before he could only manage ninth in qualifying.
In the Sprint, Marquez had to serve a long-lap penalty after he collided with Alex Rins at turn 10. The Spaniard brought his bike home in P6, but he would not score points in Sunday’s race after a horrible crash with Bezzecchi.
Bezzecchi claimed victory in the Sprint from pole position, having recovered from a poor start on the grid. The Aprilia rider suffered another slow start as he fell backwards and into the midfield.
On lap two, Bezzecchi attempted to pass Marquez at turn seven, but he collided with the rear of the GP25 and sent the pair flying into the gravel trap. It was a nasty-looking impact for the 2025 champion as he barreled across the ground.
MotoGP fans call for Marco Bezzecchi to be penalised after ‘very bad’ Marc Marquez crash at Mandalika
There was huge concern amongst fans as Marquez crashed and landed on his right arm at the same corner where he suffered a violent highside in 2022. The 32-year-old broke his humerus in an accident at Jerez in 2020.
Reacting to the crash on X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed their anger towards Bezzecchi for the ill-timed move on Marquez.
“What the hell was he thinking of? Hope Marc is ok,” said one user. Another added: “Huge misjudgement from Bez.. It’s not looking good, especially the way Marc is holding his arm.”
Many called for the Aprilia rider to receive a penalty for his actions: “Bezz should get penalty.. simple..” said one fan, while another echoed: “Last year did the same to Viñales, this need serious punishment. That kinda actions are so dangerous, he may have broken Marc’s shoulder/scapula.”
“Bezzecchi is a danger,” said another disgruntled fan. Finally, one fan wrote: “Very bad mistake by Bez. He could win this race with a bit of patience, while he probably got MM injuried instead.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Marc Marquez suffers ‘small fracture’ on his right humeral bone after Mandalika crash
Understandably, there was huge concern up and down the paddock for Marquez, given how much damage he has suffered to that arm over the years.
MotoGP doctor Angel Charte confirmed that the X-ray showed a ‘small fracture’ to his right collarbone. Given the difficulty he has had with his right arm in the past, a CT scan is required to determine if Marquez needs surgery.
It highlights how cruel the sport can be, especially with how much the 32-year-old has struggled with injury over the years. Marquez warned that he would fall again after his career-saving surgery; he could now face a spell on the sidelines.
His accident also highlights how the Indonesian GP can bite hard for riders. Francesco Bagnaia says Mandalika has become ‘dangerous’ due to Michelin’s rear tyre casing over the weekend.
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