Bezzecchi Copped Double Long Lap for Marquez Collision

The controversy surrounding the Lap 1 incident at the Indonesian Grand Prix has finally reached a conclusion, with the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards imposing a severe sanction on Marco Bezzecchi. The Aprilia Racing rider has been dealt a double Long Lap penalty, which he must serve during the upcoming Australian Grand Prix race at Phillip Island, for his part in the early race clash that dramatically ended the day for both himself and Marc Marquez.

The incident, which took place in Lombok ten days before the penalty was officially confirmed, involved the Italian rider and the multi-time World Champion on the opening lap of the Grand Prix race. While the full circumstances are sometimes difficult to ascertain in the heat of a MotoGP™ race start, the stewards determined that Bezzecchi was responsible for the collision. The outcome was catastrophic for both: the polesitter and defending World Champion Marquez, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, and the Aprilia man Bezzecchi both found themselves tumbling into the gravel trap, eliminating them from the running almost instantly.

The aftermath has been particularly harsh for Marquez, who sustained a shoulder injury in the high-speed crash. Despite the time elapsed since the event, the injury required surgery, forcing Marquez to withdraw from the trip across the water to the Australian round. His absence casts a significant shadow over the Phillip Island weekend, a circuit where he has historically excelled.

Due to the logistical challenges following the Indonesian event, a formal hearing with Bezzecchi was not possible immediately after the race. The FIM MotoGP™ Stewards waited until Thursday morning in Australia to formally speak with Bezzecchi and representatives from the Aprilia Racing team before handing down their decision. The delay did not, however, soften the eventual ruling.

The determination to apply a double Long Lap penalty reflects the severity of the offence, and the unfortunate consequences for his rival. Furthermore, the Stewards confirmed that this was Bezzecchi’s second offence of the 2025 MotoGP™ season, a factor which escalated the punishment from a single to a double Long Lap. For Bezzecchi, the timing of the penalty is less than ideal. He now faces a significant hurdle in the Australian Grand Prix—one of the most physically demanding and fast-flowing circuits on the calendar—which will force him to slow down and lose considerable track position twice during the race. This double infringement will make the climb back through the pack exceedingly difficult, particularly given how tightly packed the field is.

The Long Lap penalty is a designated section of the circuit, typically off the racing line, which riders must navigate once they are penalised. Completing this deviation usually costs a rider between two and four seconds, depending on the track layout. Being forced to complete this manoeuvre twice at a circuit like Phillip Island, known for its rapid nature and high average speeds, will represent a major setback for Bezzecchi’s hopes of a strong result, likely relegating him well outside the points.

While the penalty is regrettable for Bezzecchi, the Stewards' decision finalises a controversial chapter in the Championship season. The focus now shifts fully to the action on the asphalt at Phillip Island, where the remaining riders will battle it out in what promises to be an enthralling Grand Prix, albeit one missing the prowess of Marquez and complicated by Bezzecchi’s required double detour to atone for his earlier track incident. The impact of the incident—an injured Marquez recovering back in Europe and a penalised Bezzecchi facing a challenging weekend—will be felt profoundly as the title fight continues to crystalise in the latter stages of the calendar.