Marco Bezzecchi to serve double Long Lap penalty in Australia after controversial Marc Marquez crash – 'I accept it'
Published 16/10/2025 at 09:29 GMT+1
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Marco Bezzecchi says he “accepts” the penalty he has been given for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Australia after his crash with Marc Marquez last time out in Indonesia. The Aprilia rider was responsible for taking out the world champion in a high-speed incident on the first lap of the GP. The collision left Marquez needing surgery, meaning the Ducati rider could miss the remainder of the season.
'A big crash, a big contact' - Hodgson analyses Marquez-Bezzecchi crash at Grand Prix Indonesia
Video credit: TNT Sports
Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi will serve a double Long Lap penalty at the Grand Prix of Australia for his crash with Marc Marquez in Indonesia.
Bezzecchi ran into the back of his Ducati rival on the first lap of the GP in Indonesia, resulting in both riders having to retire from the race and leaving world champion Marquez in need of surgery.
Marquez appeared in serious pain as he left the scene of the crash, and it was later confirmed he had suffered a fracture at the base of the coracoid process and a ligament injury to his right shoulder.
It was hoped he would not have to go under the knife, but after doctors were unsatisfied with his progress, the decision was taken to undergo surgery.
Bezzecchi was not able to attend a hearing after the race in Indonesia, but MotoGP stewards issued the Italian with his sanction ahead of the event at Phillip Island, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Discussing the incident with Marquez, Bezzecchi told MotoGP.com in Australia: "I didn't expect to be so much faster at that point. Unfortunately, I made a [misjudgement]. I tried to avoid contact as much as I could.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do it, and I just touched a little bit of the rear end of Marc’s bike."
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Highlights: Rookie Aldeguer secures maiden victory at Grand Prix Indonesia as Marquez suffers injury
Video credit: TNT Sports
A step in the gravel trap was deemed the reason why the impact was so great on Marquez, who could miss the remainder of the season.
"Of course, the consequence was huge because at that point there was such a big gap from the asphalt to the gravel and, unfortunately, from a slide, then Marc hit the gravel and got injured," Bezzecchi added.
"I wasn't going to crash, but then with the gravel, I also crashed and hurt myself. I'm just sorry.
"Of course, I didn't want to crash on anybody and also, I didn't want to ruin the race for me and for anyone else.
"But this is racing, and it can happen."
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Bezzecchi, who took pole, won the Sprint and was one of the favourites to take the Grand Prix for an Indonesia clean sweep, has enjoyed a strong season following his demotion from the Ducati factory outfit at the end of 2024.
He could still catch former team-mate Francesco Bagnaia in third in the world championship but is up against it from the outset in Australia.
The 26-year-old does, however, have no objections to the severity of his penalty.
"At the end [the penalty] is a Race Direction decision," he continued. "I respect it and accept it. At the end, it was like this.
"My mentality doesn't change. I will try to give my all, to make the best out of the weekend, and do a good performance over all three days."
Stream every race of the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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