FERNANDEZ SAYS BEZZECCHI WAS “PLAYING GAMES” IN INDONESIA WARM-UP

Raul Fernandez says Aprilia and Trackhouse helped defuse tensions with Marco Bezzecchi after their clash in the Indonesian Grand Prix Sprint and a heated exchange during Sunday’s warm-up.

The dispute began on Saturday, when Fernandez started from pole but slipped to fourth approaching the first corner. Bezzecchi, Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio moved ahead, before Bezzecchi ran wide and collided with Fernandez. Both riders retired, and Fernandez was left with two broken fingers. Officials issued no penalty.

Fernandez had criticised Bezzecchi as “unprofessional” and accused him of disregarding team instructions. In the warm-up, as Fernandez prepared for a practice start, Bezzecchi appeared to touch his rear tyre. Fernandez turned and gestured at him; Bezzecchi responded with a shrug.

Speaking to DAZN, Fernandez said: “This morning, he wanted to play games. I told him: ‘If you want to play, we’ll play, but it’s not worth it.’” He added that both riders remain with Aprilia and should represent the brand well.

After the session, Fernandez met with Aprilia chief executive Massimo Rivola, technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini and Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio. “I’m not here to play games with anyone,” he said he had told them. “I think it wasn’t the right moment, and together, we’ve calmed the waters.”

Despite his injury, Fernandez adjusted his braking technique for Sunday’s race and led for much of the distance before Bezzecchi passed him. Aprilia secured the top four places: Jorge Martin finished on the podium behind the winner, with Ai Ogura fourth. Bezzecchi had mixed feelings after the race because of the points lost in Saturday’s crash. Fernandez, meanwhile, ended a four-race podium drought after taking his first premier-class pole position.