The starting grid for Sunday’s Czech MotoGP at Brno has been dramatically altered following the suspension of championship leader Marco Bezzecchi.
The Aprilia rider was excluded from the remainder of the event on Saturday evening after being found guilty of striking a marshal following his Sprint race crash. Bezzecchi had originally qualified fourth and was set to begin the Grand Prix from the head of the second row.
His removal from the grid promotes several riders up one position.
Updated front two rows
Front Row
- Ai Ogura (Aprilia)
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati)
- Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo)
Second Row
4. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo)
5. Diogo Moreira
6. Raul Fernandez
Marquez is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the reshuffle, moving up from fifth to fourth and now starting directly behind the front row. The reigning world champion will be aiming to build on his recent victory in Hungary and continue closing the gap in the championship standings.
Championship implications
Bezzecchi’s suspension could have major consequences in the title race. Having already lost points in Saturday’s Sprint, the Italian will score nothing from Sunday’s Grand Prix and risks seeing his championship advantage disappear.
Aprilia teammate Jorge Martin is among the riders who stand to gain the most. The Spaniard moves up from tenth to ninth on the grid and enters the race just 15 points behind Bezzecchi in the standings after his strong Sprint performance.
However, Martin faces an additional challenge after receiving a double long-lap penalty for his role in the multi-rider crash at Balaton Park. Even so, a strong result could be enough to take over the championship lead by the end of the weekend.
With Bezzecchi sidelined, Sunday’s race has suddenly become one of the most significant championship battles of the season, giving rivals a major opportunity to capitalise on the absence of the current points leader.
