Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi is set to face a double long-lap penalty in the recent Australian Grand Prix due to a collision with MotoGP champion Marc Marquez during the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Two weeks ago at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Bezzecchi had a rough start from pole position, finding himself on the lower end of the top ten by the end of the opening lap. As the Italian driver tried to make up for lost positions, he misjudged his braking distance and collided with Marquez’s Ducati, sending both of them into the gravel.
After returning to Spain, Marquez was diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder and recently underwent surgery, which has prevented him from participating in the races in Australia and Malaysia as he continues his recovery. Fortunately, Bezzecchi underwent examinations at a local hospital and fortunately did not sustain any serious injuries.
Due to 26-year-old Bezzecchi’s immediate inability to compete after the race in Indonesia, the event officials could only hold a hearing on Thursday at Phillip Island. After a detailed analysis of the incident and listening to Bezzecchi’s statement, the officials ruled that the Aprilia rider’s driving behavior was “reckless” and that he was responsible for the danger posed to other riders.
Given that this is his second violation of the season, the officials deemed it appropriate to impose a double long lap penalty, which will be enforced during the grand prix on Sunday rather than during Saturday’s sprint race.
Earlier this season, Bezzecchi had an incident on the track at the Argentina GP with Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo, which led to him receiving a warning.
On Phillip Island, the penalty zone is located on the outer side of the fourth corner.
According to the regulations of FIM’s MotoGP events, on October 5th at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Bezzecchi’s reckless driving at turn eight resulted in a collision involving rider #93. This action violated specific instructions set forth by MotoGP for participants and teams and was deemed reckless driving that posed a danger to other competitors. As a result, he has breached Article 1.21.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations.
For the reasons outlined above, the FIM MotoGP race officials have imposed a double long lap penalty on him. This penalty will be enforced in his next championship appearance. If he is unable to participate due to injuries, illness, or other issues unrelated to this penalty incident, the punishment will be considered served.
If he is unable to participate in the relevant competition due to this disciplinary action, the penalty will be enforced at the next championship he participates in, based on the penalty agreement issued by the FIM MotoGP officials on February 27, 2025.
According to the event’s penalty agreement, this action has been classified as type MGP-CC5: a dangerous situation or collision involving multiple drivers during the start or formation lap. Since this is the second infraction of the season, the applicable penalty is a double long lap penalty.
