Marco Bezzecchi is not allowed to race in the Czech Grand Prix on Sunday. The Italian motorcycle rider has been suspended for slapping a MotoGP marshal during a horrible display of anger in the Sprint on Saturday.
He could lose his lead in the world standings as a result of his absence.
Bezzecchi’s lack of restraint could have a significant impact on the current landscape of motorcycle racing. What appeared to be a runaway victory will now come down to the wire.
Marco Bezzecchi struck a MotoGP marshal.
It appeared as though Bezzecchi was on pace for a top-five finish in the sprint race in Brno on Saturday until he got horizontal and crashed his motorcycle. The 27-year-old lost his balance while making a left turn and slid out into the gravel. This has been a recurring issue. He has crashed in a lot of races this season.
A better look at what happened to Marco Bezzecchi 👀#CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/o2UizstOhk
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) June 20, 2026
As you could imagine, Marco Bezzecchi was frustrated with the wreck. Not only did it hurt, it cost him a chance at victory. Unfortunately, he could not control his emotions. The Italian rider lost his temper.
Race footage shows Bezzecchi get back to his feet after the crash and run over to his bike. He wanted to press the kill switch to shut down the engine. Meanwhile, a group of race marshals also ran over to help with the situation. One of them appeared to pull the throttle, which sent the rider into a fit of rage.
Bezzecchi pushed the marshal aside and switched off his machine while the marshal tried to explain that he was only attempting to lift the bike out of the gravel. His explanation fell on deaf ears. Bezzecchi slapped him with an open hand and stormed off.
Marco Bezzecchi has lost his cool after his #CzechGP Sprint race crash 🥊#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/xjYjneUIBx
— TNT Sports Bikes (@bikesontnt) June 20, 2026
Here is another angle of the heated altercation:
U welcome pic.twitter.com/gWul1TOafL
— Veldvar (@Veldvar1) June 20, 2026
Not cool. Bezzecchi drew widespread criticism for his poor behavior. Rightfully so.
The world leader in motorcycle racing is suspended for the Czech Grand Prix.
Fans of the sport were not the only ones to take issue with how Marco Bezzecchi handled his emotions. The FIM MotoGP stewards sanctioned the #73 bike after the incident on Saturday morning. They decided to suspend him from the next race.
It sent him the following letter:
According to Article 3.8 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations, we confirm our decision with a hearing.
Motive
On 20th June 2026, at 16:07:41 during the MotoGP™ Sprint of the MONSTER ENERGY GRAND PRIX OF CZECHIA, following a crash you pushed and struck circuit Marshals who were trying to recover your machine.
This is an action prejudicial to the interests of the sport and is therefore an infringement as described in Article 3.3.2.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations
“any corrupt or fraudulent act, or any action prejudicial to the interests of the meetings or of the sport, carried out by a person or a group of persons occurring during an event”
Sanction
For the above reasons the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel has imposed upon you a suspension from the MONSTER ENERGY GRAND PRIX OF CZECHIA. (in accordance with articles 3.2.1 and 3.3.2.3 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations).
Right of Appeal
According to articles 3.7.2, 3.7.2.2 and 3.7.2.4 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations, you have the right to appeal against this decision of the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel to the FIM Appeal Stewards. A statement of appeal must be made within 60 minutes from the date and time of this notification, and accompanied by a security deposit of €1320. The appeal can be lodged with IRTA who may also arrange for guarantee of the security deposit payment.
Sincerely, FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel
This is especially interesting given the standings. Bezzecchi currently sits in first place. His absence at the Czech Grand Prix on Sunday could cost him his lead. The suspension could be the difference between a world championship and not!