MotoGP, Bezzecchi: “I’m 50% there, but I have Valentino’s advice”

Part of the new Mooney VR46 squad, Marco Bezzecchi is one of two riders who will make his MotoGP debut in Qatar. Flanking Luca Marini – ready for his second year in the top class – Bez has already been in action during the 2021 Jerez test and this year’s sessions in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The 23-year old Italian considers his pre-season work: “Tests are just tests” he points out, “but they've been very useful for me. Sepang was an uphill climb, and I had difficulty with the shake down. But then I gradually made progress during the IRTA sessions".

Marco also explains how things went at Mandalika: "The team and I worked hard on important details like the tyres and the time attack. I've seen how much there is still to do with the electronics, the part I’m struggling with the most. Luckily, I have Matteo Flamigni and Sergio Martinez with me, both great and so experienced, and they are really helping me".

Bezzecchi: "Rossi isn’t here, but he is"

It will be strange for everybody not to see Valentino Rossi at the races. The nine-time champion won’t be there, and yet he will: “We’ve spoken”, continues Bezzecchi, “talking about the tests and other things. I’ve realised that Valentino is still here. If I need him, Rossi’s always here".

And so how ready does Bez feel for MotoGP? He’s halfway there he says: "I think I’m… 50% there. I’m growing with the team and we’re constantly improving. I think the winter’s been good but now we need to focus on the championship".

Translated by Heather Watson

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