Watch the moment MotoGP championship leader Marco Bezzecchi 'pushed and struck' marshal to earn Grand Prix Czechia ban

Ultimately, it was Francesco Bagnaia who produced a commanding performance to claim victory in the Sprint race, converting a front-row start into his first win since last season's Sprint triumph in Malaysia.

On the penultimate lap, Bezzecchi was in fifth place when he was involved in a crash, with marshals attending to his fallen motorcycle in the Turn 3 gravel trap.

The episode, which was not broadcast live, occurred while recovery work was underway.

According to the stewards' report, Bezzecchi "pushed and struck circuit marshals" during the recovery process, a breach of Article 3.3.2.2 relating to conduct deemed "prejudicial to the interests of the sport."

The report also notes that, as the bike was being lifted, one marshal appeared to inadvertently twist the throttle of the RS-GP, briefly causing the engine to rev.

Concerned about potential damage. Bezzecchi returned to the scene. Onboard footage later showed him switching off the engine before walking away.

After reviewing the incident and hearing the rider's account, the stewards confirmed a suspension from the Grand Prix for unsporting behaviour, ruling him out of Sunday's race.

"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," read a statement.

"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.

"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)."

Aprilia Racing appealed the decision to the FIM Appeal Stewards, but Bezzecchi's suspension has been upheld.

The penalty carries significant consequences, as the 27-year-old was set to extend his advantage in the championship, but team-mate Jorge Martin inherited his fifth position, while his overall championship lead has been cut down to 15 points.

With Martin starting from 10th on the grid, and serving two long-lap penalties, the revised standings leave him with an opportunity to reclaim the championship lead on Sunday.

Fabio Di Giannantonio of VR46 sits 36 points behind Bezzecchi in third place, while Marc Marquez has closed to within 65 points as the highest-placed factory Ducati rider in the standings.

Two-time MotoGP world champion Bagnaia, who qualified third earlier in the day, made a rapid launch off the line to overtake compatriot Di Giannantonio and polesitter Ai Ogura into Turn 1.

Once in front, Bagnaia never looked back, controlling the race from the early laps and managing his pace as tyre performance declined in the closing stages.

A crucial factor in his victory was the decision to run the soft-compound rear tyre, which delivered strong early grip, while most rivals opted for the medium.

That advantage allowed him to establish an early buffer at the front, which proved just enough to withstand late pressure from Ogura, who ultimately finished second.

Marquez recovered from fifth on the grid, slicing through the field to take third place for Ducati.

The Spaniard closed on Ogura in the middle stages of the 10-lap contest, but was unable to find the extra pace needed to mount a late challenge for second.

Di Giannantonio finished a distant fourth, as Martin completed the top five to collect valuable championship points.

After the race, Bagnaia was full of praise for his tyre strategy - and the execution of his team’s plan.

He said: "Luckily, it was the correct [choice], not like Austin, or the choice we did some races ago. But very happy.

"The first two laps made everything. I started where I tried to push, open the gap, and then I tried to control a bit, because the rear [degradation] was not that bad, but the vibration was huge, so I needed to slow down a bit in the last two laps.

"But I'm very happy. We are working very hard, so I hope that tomorrow will be good."

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