MotoGP: Marc Marquez wins again in Brno as Marco Bezzecchi sits out

Marc Marquez continued his impressive return from injury with victory at Brno as MotoGP championship leader Marco Bezzecchi sat out a one-race suspension.

Seven-time champion Marquez, 33 claimed a 100th career victory in Hungary last time out and won again while still nursing his recovery from surgeries on his foot and shoulder.

The Ducati rider saw off team-mate Francesco Bagnaia with five laps remaining to win, with Ai Ogura passing Bagnaia to take second place late on.

Aprilia rider Bezzecchi was banned from racing after an altercation with a marshal on Saturday.

The Italian crashed out of the sprint race and was trying to get back on to his damaged bike when he appeared to twice slap a marshal in the face in the gravel trap.

The 27-year-old later apologised in person on Sunday morning and said his behaviour “should not happen”.

“I know how much effort and sacrifice marshals make to ensure our safety,” Bezzecchi said., external

“This behaviour shouldn’t happen and there is no justification for it. I apologise to everyone, Aprilia Racing and all my fans.”

Bezzecchi’s team-mate Jorge Martin finished in ninth and now trails him by eight points in the championship standings, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third.

Reigning champion Marquez sits in fourth place overall, 40 points behind Bezzecchi, having been 102 points back just a few weeks ago.

“It’s a super important win, something special,” Marquez said. “I never give up, but I was suffering a lot, I was empty.

“It was the longest six laps of the year and I am super happy.”