MotoGP: Marco Bezzecchi knows he ‘made a huge mistake’ at Grand Prix Czechia Sprint race, says 'shocked' Neil Hodgson

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TNT Sports experts Neil Hodgson and Sylvain Guintoli reacted to Marco Bezzecchi's confrontation with a race marshal at the Grand Prix Czechia Sprint race on Saturday. Bezzecchi has been banned from Sunday's race, and has since apologised to the marshal in person.

Leader Bezzecchi suspended from race after 'pushing and striking' marshal

Video credit: TNT Sports

The world championship leader for the 2026 campaign has a 15-point advantage after crashing out in the Sprint race on Saturday, but suffered an even bigger problem in the aftermath of that crash.

The Aprilia rider raced towards his bike on the gravel as the marshals tried to assist him, and appeared to push and shove one of the group as he was concerned with how they were handling his bike.

As a result, the race stewards banned him from taking part in Sunday’s full-length race, shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

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Speaking to TNT Sports on Sunday morning ahead of the race, Hodgson and his colleague Sylvain Guintoli gave their thoughts on the controversy.

Hodgson began: ”Shocked. I still can’t believe it. Obviously, the race finished, we all went back to the hotel, and then these images emerged.

”We've all been involved in this sport for a long time, and we're well aware of the adrenaline-fuelled sport that MotoGP is. We applaud riders for riding at the limit and risking crazy things and times, but this is bizarre.

Highlights: Francesco Bagnaia claims impressive Grand Prix Czechia Sprint race victory

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”This is not acceptable. This is violence to people who are there. They're unpaid. The marshals, without them, we can't go racing.

”They're standing in the line of fire when riders have crashed. I'm shocked, it's so unlike Marco Bezzecchi, the person we know in the paddock, I'm at a loss for words.”

Guintoli added: ”He loses it completely. It's still inexcusable and unacceptable.”

Bezzecchi’s team unsuccessfully appealed the penalty, and the rider has now issued a statement to apologise for his actions.

He wrote: ”I would like to apologise to the entire MotoGP community for my behaviour towards the trackside marshal. I am also sorry because I know how much effort and sacrifice marshals make to ensure our safety.

”This behaviour shouldn't happen and there is no justification for it. I apologise to everyone, Aprilia Racing and all of my fans.”

'Bezzecchi slid out' - Aprilia world title leader crashes out of Grand Prix Czechia Sprint

Video credit: TNT Sports

Hodgson responded with some praise for Bezzecchi taking responsibility, though he remained clear that he was in the wrong.

The rider has since apologised to the marshal, and they were seen embracing trackside and having a discussion.

Hodgson observed: ”It's heartening. He's dealt with the situation in the correct manner. He can't do any more than this.

”He can't change what has happened in the heat of the moment. We know Marco Bezzecchi, we interact with him on a regular basis. He's a normal lad who has let the pressure of the situation [get to him]. He realises he's really made a huge mistake.”

Ducati Lenovo’s Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, Bezzecchi’s team-mate Jorge Martin, VR46 Pertamina’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Trackhouse’s pole-sitter Ai Ogura will all attempt to cut into the championship leader’s advantage in his enforced absence.

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Stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

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