MotoGP championship leader Marco Bezzecchi has apologised after an extraordinary incident that led to his suspension from Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix at Brno.

Bezzecchi crashed out of fifth place during Saturday’s sprint race and, in a moment of anger, was seen running toward a track marshal and striking him twice in the face as the official attempted to recover his bike. The footage prompted an immediate investigation, with stewards citing unsportsmanlike conduct and issuing a race ban.

In their decision, officials ruled that Bezzecchi’s actions were “prejudicial to the interests of the sport,” noting that physical aggression toward circuit staff violates core MotoGP regulations. Aprilia appealed the penalty, but the appeal was dismissed within hours.

The appeal panel stressed that while riders may experience heightened emotions after a crash, physical confrontation with marshals cannot be excused, adding that the sport depends on officials being able to perform their duties “without fear of intimidation, abuse, or physical assault.”

Bezzecchi sought out the marshal on Sunday to apologise in person before releasing a public statement acknowledging his behaviour was unacceptable.

The suspension marks a significant setback for the Italian rider, whose championship lead over teammate Jorge Martin had already been cut to 15 points following his sprint crash.

On track, Francesco Bagnaia delivered a standout performance, taking his first sprint victory of the 2026 season. The two‑time world champion gambled on a soft rear tyre in scorching conditions and surged to the front from third on the grid, holding off Ai Ogura by 0.241 seconds.

Ogura, who claimed pole with a lap‑record 1:51.139, became the first Japanese rider in six years to start from the front and secured his maiden sprint podium. Marc Márquez completed the top three, finishing just 0.794 seconds behind Bagnaia.