Aprilia reacts to Marco Bezzecchi slapping a marshal at Brno MotoGP

Aprilia Racing and Marco Bezzecchi have issued apologies to a track marshal following an altercation that happened during the Brno MotoGP sprint race.

Bezzecchi’s Czech Grand Prix weekend was cut short following Saturday’s sprint, after he slapped a marshal twice. The incident happened after Bezzecchi, who crashed late on, lost his temper when the marshal accidentally twisted the throttle while his RS-GP26 was being lifted from the gravel. 

After running over, Bezzecchi struck the marshal before doing it a second time with another slap to the face. The Aprilia star was suspended from the remainder of the event due to his actions, and although the team was critical of Bezzecchi’s behaviour, the Noale factory still appealed the decision. However, the decision was quickly upheld as Aprilia issued an apology to the marshal.  

Speaking to MotoGP pit lane reporter Jack Appleyard during Sunday’s warm-up session, Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola, said: “First of all, we also want to apologise to the marshal. Second, we accept the penalty. We don't tolerate this kind of behaviour.”

Speaking later in the day, Rivola said this: 

“Yes, I was [surprised]. Not about the first [push], because it was saving the bike in a way, let me say. Clearly, the second one [slap] is not acceptable."

Due to his suspension, Bezzecchi lost valuable points in the championship battle, mainly to Marc Marquez, who secured his second consecutive victory after also winning in Hungary. The Italian rider, who was left disappointed with his actions, also apologised to the marshal involved, saying: 

“I would like to apologise to the entire MotoGP community for my behaviour toward the trackside marshal. I'm also sorry because I know how much effort and sacrifice marshals make to ensure our safety. This behaviour shouldn't happen, and there is no justification for it. I apologise to everyone, Aprilia Racing and all my fans.”

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