Bezzecchi Penalized After Controversial Clash with Vinales at Australian MotoGP

Marco Bezzecchi was caught in the draft and expressed displeasure towards Maverick's conduct. He remarked, "If the roles were reversed, I would make an effort to see how the other rider is doing."

After traveling to Melbourne for additional medical evaluations following a significant crash involving Maverick Vinales during the second-to-last lap of the Australian MotoGP Sprint, Marco Bezzecchi encountered the FIM Stewards when he came back to Phillip Island on Sunday.

As a result, the VR46 competitor received a long lap penalty after losing grip during the braking phase for Turn 1, just moments after being overtaken by the Aprilia competitor.

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The FIM Stewards described the situation as follows:

As Lap 11 commenced, moving from the finish line towards Turn 1, #12 Vinales successfully overtook #72 Bezzecchi, managing to do so without any collision.

"Vehicle #12 maintained a steady and consistent braking pattern, aligning with its braking points from the last three laps."

Upon examining the footage, it's evident that player #72 initiates a directional shift. This action, combined with delaying their braking and maintaining a higher speed, resulted in unavoidable contact.

"Considering the information provided, the Stewards have concluded that the primary accountability for the collision and subsequent crash lies unequivocally with #72."

Nonetheless, the Stewards acknowledged that "the impact of unstable air resulting from the overtaking maneuver by #12… could, in this context, provide some level of excuse."

Therefore, although this situation might warrant a penalty of two long laps, considering the extenuating circumstances, only one long lap penalty will be imposed.

Bezzecchi, starting from the fourth position, fell from an initial second-place behind Jorge Martin in Sunday's competition to seventh, following the imposition of the long lap penalty.

The situation deteriorated significantly after Bezzecchi crashed on the fifth lap, resulting in him spending the remainder of the race at the back of the pack.

Reflecting on the happenings of Saturday, the youthful Italian, set to inherit Vinales' official RS-GP position in 2025, remarked:

Maverick overtook me on the straightaway by utilizing the slipstream, causing [turbulent air] which made my motorcycle veer to the left. As a result, I had to angle the motorcycle upright to steer clear of the exterior curb, especially since the wind was also forcing me towards the outer edge.

The issue arose when, immediately after my action, he positioned himself directly ahead of me and began braking sooner.

The footage clearly shows that he applied the brakes, let go, and then braked once more. Typically, if you brake at the correct moment, you wouldn't need to let go of the brake.

"I simply attempted to keep moving to the right, but the slipstream pulled me in, and there was nothing I could do to prevent the collision."

He mentioned that he "would rather not face the penalty. However, I acknowledge their reasoning" because "usually, the one at fault is the person trailing behind."

However, he sensed that there have been additional instances where riders were almost caught in the draft while slowing down.

"For instance, a similar incident occurred in Qatar last year involving Pecco and Diggia, as well as in Valencia with Martin and Pecco," he mentioned. "It was essentially identical, merely at a different kind of turn. Slightly slower, somewhat less breezy, somewhat less reminiscent of Phillip Island, to put it another way.

"Thus, it's a scenario that might recur frequently, but luckily for the rest, they managed to dodge the catastrophe every time."

"How should I put it? Personally, the aspect that didn't sit well with me was Maverick's conduct. However, regarding the penalty, I truly have no grievances, as I've completed my long lap."

On Saturday, Vinales believed Bezzecchi attempted to overtake him again, leading to the collision.

"From my perspective, he was trying to pass me once more," Vinales expressed. "That's the sense I got. Given that Di Giannantonio was trailing [him] and he applied the brakes at a usual spot, it's up to the Stewards to make a call.”

When asked about the Stewards mentioning Bezzecchi's actions of "reducing speed and then accelerating again before braking later" due to the turbulence, rider #72 responded:

I ended up veering off because his proximity was so near it actually shifted my bike's position, yet this occurred roughly 120 meters earlier than where one would usually start to brake, according to the data. Therefore, I had to accelerate slightly once more. Following that, I resumed braking as I typically do.

"Possibly, Vinales had a habit of braking sooner than I usually do, it's uncertain. However, from my observation, he applied the brakes, let go, and then applied them once more. Since he was ahead of me, I'm not in a position to make any comments."

Vinales was understandably upset after being knocked down at a high velocity, but Bezzecchi thought it wasn't right to make a rude gesture while he was down in the gravel pit.

In the medical center, he assured me, saying, "It's fine, the most important thing is that we're okay." However, when it came to the interviews, he appeared extremely upset with me!

"Right after the accident, I was put off by his actions. Had the roles been swapped, my first instinct would have been to see if the other rider was okay, rather than resorting to rude gestures and repeatedly cursing at me following our collision at 300 kilometers per hour."

"Regardless, what matters most is that we are all okay."

"I traveled to Melbourne via helicopter, where I underwent an upper body scan, focusing on the neck and head area. This procedure was crucial according to the doctor. After that, I returned and had a follow-up appointment with the MotoGP medical professional this morning."

Vinales secured an eighth-place finish in Sunday's grand prix, despite experiencing discomfort in his arm and back.

"Honestly, it was great, particularly because I avoided injury and I'm able to compete in Thailand next weekend. That's excellent as we're still in the running for fifth place in the championship," he expressed.

"I have no comment regarding the decision on Bezzecchi's extended lap penalty because, ultimately, it's up to the Stewards to determine any penalties."

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