On the evening of the second day of the Grand Prix MotoGP From Czech Republic to Brno, we bring you the press release concerning the Aprilia Racing team's appeal against the suspension imposed on Marco Bezzecchi, as we received it, translation aside.
For facts, the consequences et Analyses, it's here.
DECISION OF THE FIM APPEALS COMMISSIONERS
Decision of the FIM Appeals Commissioners on Marco Bezzecchi's appeal of 20/06/2026
The Aprilia Racing team (Paolo Bonora) filed a written appeal on behalf of Marco Bezzecchi on 20/06/2026 at 20:49 with the appeal stewards, accompanied by the security deposit of 1,320 euros (guaranteed by IRTA).
The appeal concerns the decision of the FIM MotoGP stewards of 20/06/2026, notified to rider Marco Bezzecchi on 20/06/2026 at 19:52, concerning the penalty imposed on rider no. 72 for pushing and hitting track marshals who were trying to recover his motorcycle.
This act is considered detrimental to the interests of the sport and constitutes an offence as defined in article 3.3.2.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship regulations, namely:
"any act of corruption or fraud, or any action detrimental to the interests of the competition or sport, committed by a person or group of persons during an event."
The sanction notified was a suspension from the MONSTER ENERGY GRAND PRIX OF THE CZECH 2026.
1. Composition of the FIM Appeals Commissioners
The FIM's panel of appeal commissioners is composed of:
- Ralph Bohnhorst, FIM Appeals Commissioner;
- Aleš Holan, FIM appeals commissioner (appointed by the FMNR).
The hearings were held from 20:05 p.m. to 20:37 p.m.
2. Validity of the appeal
The panel decided that the appeal had been properly filed, in the required form, with the appropriate security and within the prescribed time limits.
3. The audience
The panel of appeal commissioners met on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in the presence of the following individuals, whose explanations they heard:
aprilia-racing
- Massimo Rivola;
- Paolo Bonora.
FIM MotoGP Stewards
- Simon Crafar;
- Andres Somolinos;
- Tamara Matko.
The following documents were submitted to the appeals commissioners:
- the factors that led to the decision of the FIM MotoGP stewards;
- the appeal document;
- the financial guarantee provided by IRTA.
4. The facts
A hearing was held with all parties involved.
5. Considerations of the FIM Appeals Commissioners Panel
The appeal was formally structured and contained all the points that the team and the driver wished to submit to the appeal stewards.
The MotoGP stewards were questioned on the basis of their decision, in particular on their belief that rider Marco Bezzecchi No. 72 had initiated the physical action deemed detrimental to the interests of the sport and constituting an infringement within the meaning of Article 3.3.2.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship regulations.
The representatives of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola and Paolo Bonora, were then heard.
6. Judgment
Based on these findings, the FIM appeals commissioners decide:
- to confirm the decision made by the FIM MotoGP stewards;
- to reject the appeal filed.
Reasons for the decision
The FIM appeals stewards carefully considered the arguments presented on behalf of the rider as well as the evidence produced, including video footage, official reports and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The stewards acknowledge that a driver involved in an accident may experience frustration, disappointment, and a significant emotional burden immediately afterward. However, such circumstances cannot excuse or justify physical aggression against circuit personnel performing their official duties.
Track marshals and other safety officials are essential to the smooth running of motorcycle competitions. They work in dangerous environments, often in close proximity to moving motorcycles and other hazards, to protect competitors and allow the event to continue safely.
Sport relies on the ability of these officials to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, abuse or physical aggression.
The principles of sportsmanship require that all participants treat officials, stewards, and volunteers with respect at all times.
Any aggressive physical contact towards a circuit security official constitutes a serious breach of these principles and undermines the mutual trust and respect upon which the safe operation of the championship depends.
The appeals commissioners consider it particularly important that the persons involved were commissioners engaged in the recovery of the pilot's machine after his accident.
These people were acting exclusively in the interest of the pilot's safety, the safety of the event, and the smooth running of the competition.
Physical aggression towards marshals is totally unacceptable in professional motorsport and cannot be tolerated, regardless of the circumstances that led to the incident.
Failing to react appropriately to this type of behavior would risk sending the wrong message to competitors in the championship and would be inconsistent with the governing body's obligation to protect officials, volunteers and workers who contribute to the sport.
Given the seriousness of the facts, the status of the persons involved as circuit safety officials, the need to maintain appropriate standards of behavior and the need for specific and general prevention, the appeal stewards consider that the panel of stewards was justified in concluding that the driver's actions constituted an action detrimental to the interests of the sport.
The appeal commissioners also concluded that the sanction imposed was proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and that it fell within the reasonable range of penalties available to the commissioners.
Consequently, the appeal is dismissed and the initial decision is upheld in its entirety.
7. Right of appeal
In accordance with Articles 3.4.4, 3.7.2.2, 3.7.2.3 and 3.7.2.4 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship regulations, you have a right of appeal against this decision of the FIM Appeal Stewards to the International Court of Appeal (ICA), within five days.
Automotodrom Brno, 20/06/2026
Appeals Commissioners
Ralph Bohnhorst
FIM Appeals Commissioner
Aleš Holan
FMNR Appeals Commissioner
Date: 20 / 06 / 2026
Notification time: 23:09 PM
Distribution
All parties present as mentioned above:
- FIM
- MotoGP Group
