Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi has explained why he ‘waited’ until he was banned to issue an apology to the Czech Grand Prix marshal.
Aprilia star and current MotoGP world championship leader Bezzecchi was banned from the Czech Grand Prix after hitting a trackside marshal.
The 27-year-old had crashed out during the closing stages of the Sprint in Brno, which left his Aprilia stuck in the gravel trap.
When the trackside marshals attempted to move the bike away from the gravel, Bezzecchi was caught shoving one marshal away before hitting him in the face.
As a result, Bezzecchi was banned from taking part in the rest of the Czech Grand Prix weekend.
What is your one bold prediction for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Assen?
Is it a surprise winner? A shock podium? Or a horrendous result?
Marco Bezzecchi ‘waited’ to apologise to Czech GP marshal to avoid speculation
Speaking on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, Bezzecchi was unsurprisingly questioned about the incident in Brno.
The 27-year-old admitted that although he has ‘learned a lesson’, the decision ‘wasn’t easy to accept’.
He went on to explain why he decided to apologise to the marshal on Sunday instead of immediately, stating that he did not want people to think he only apologised to avoid a sanction.
As reported by Motorsport Espana, Bezzecchi said: “I want to use this moment as a lesson. But I actually learned the lesson the moment I was told the decision. That’s why I believe it was the right one. Of course, it wasn’t easy to accept.
“We are riders, and we want to race, but in the end, that’s how it is. So, naturally, it’s an opportunity to grow and try to improve in every way—in every aspect, including my riding.
“Hopefully, it’s something that can really help me. I expected to receive a penalty, of course, because it’s a gesture you shouldn’t make.
“I also waited a bit before going to apologise to the steward, because I didn’t want people to think I was rushing to say sorry just to avoid the penalty.”
How big a failure would it be if Aprilia lose the 2026 title to Marc Marquez from here?
After his win in Brno, Marc Marquez is just 40 points behind Marco Bezzecchi!
READ MORE: Marco Bezzecchi calls Brno marshal incident the ‘worst moment’ of his career
Bezzecchi continued: “So, I waited until the penalty was confirmed before going there to offer a sincere apology for my mistake.
“We talked a bit, we both shed some tears, and—in a difficult moment—it was a really beautiful experience for me; a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
“But yes, aside from that, I expected a penalty right away. I didn’t know which one, but in the end, that was the one, and it was fair.”
Looking ahead, Bezzecchi is set to be partnered with a new teammate from the 2027 MotoGP season. It has long been reported that he will be leaving Ducati, with Pedro Acosta now confirmed as Marc Marquez’s teammate.
On Thursday, it was announced that Francesco Bagnaia had signed for Aprilia, with Jorge Martin expected to join Yamaha next year. The 29-year-old two-time MotoGP world champion will race for Aprilia until the end of the 2030 season.
When asked about Bagnaia’s arrival, Bezzecchi stated that he is ‘happy’ for the Italian and Aprilia.
The 27-year-old went on to admit that it will be ‘strange’ to share the same garage with Bagnaia after years of being ‘rivals’.
Bezzecchi also mentioned Martin, claiming he is ‘pleased’ with the current situation in Aprilia and said that there is a ‘positive environment’ within the team.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
