A controversial penalty decision has rocked the MotoGP world! Marco Bezzecchi's Indonesian blunder has landed him in hot water with the stewards, and the consequences are significant. But was the punishment fair?
Bezzecchi, an Aprilia rider, will endure a double long lap penalty in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, all because of a collision with none other than Marc Marquez, the MotoGP champion. The incident occurred during the Indonesian Grand Prix, where Bezzecchi's poor start from pole position left him struggling in the lower half of the top 10 on the opening lap.
In his attempt to regain lost ground, Bezzecchi made a critical error in judgment. He braked too late and collided with Marquez's Ducati at Turn 7, resulting in both riders finding themselves in the gravel. While Bezzecchi walked away relatively unscathed, Marquez suffered a fracture in his right shoulder, requiring surgery in Spain.
The aftermath of this incident has been intense. Marquez, unable to compete in the Australian and Malaysian rounds, is focused on recovery. Bezzecchi, after a hospital visit for checks, was summoned by the stewards at Phillip Island on Thursday, two weeks after the Indonesian race.
The stewards' verdict? Bezzecchi's riding was deemed "irresponsible" and "dangerous" to his rivals. This decision was influenced by a previous incident in the Argentina GP, where Bezzecchi clashed with Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo on the first lap, receiving a warning.
But here's where it gets controversial. The stewards imposed a double lap penalty, considering it Bezzecchi's second offense of the season. However, some argue that the penalty could have been more severe, given the injury caused to Marquez. The penalty loop at Phillip Island is located on the outside of Turn 4, adding a strategic challenge for Bezzecchi.
The full stewards' statement outlines the incident, citing Article 1.21.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations. It emphasizes that the penalty is deemed served if Bezzecchi misses the next event due to unrelated reasons, but must be served at the subsequent event if his absence is related to the incident.
The penalty explanation categorizes the collision as Type MGP-CC5, a dangerous situation causing a crash on the opening lap. As a second offense, the double long lap penalty stands.
What do you think? Was the penalty fair, or should Bezzecchi have faced a harsher consequence? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the intricacies of MotoGP's penalty system!
