GP Assen, Valentino Rossi: “Bagnaia and Bezzecchi, we’re on top of the world”

Valentino Rossi is not racing anymore, at least not in MotoGP, and yet the Assen grandstands were brimming with yellow flags exalting 46, the fans celebrating not a win for the Doctor this time, but the results scored by two products of his Academy.

VR46 on top

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We’re talking about Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi, first and second across the line in the Dutch GP, at the end of a solid race in which neither rider made the slightest mistake.

While Pecco’s performance is nothing new, the consistency demonstrated by Bez came as a surprise, the rider now looking to be on the right path after some difficulties in his first MotoGP races.

As he made his lap of honour, Bezzecchi celebrated his first podium in the top class with a Valentino flag: “I think the marshall wanted to give it to Pecco, but I took it and it was great to celebrate like that”, commented the Romagnolo rider. “Vale and his Academy have done an incredible job. Without him, I wouldn’t be here, I send him a big hug”.

Rossi’s tweet

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Rossi wasn’t there in the Van Drenthe paddock, but he nevertheless celebrated the results of ‘his’ riders with a tweet: “Bagnaia and Bezzecchi 1st and 2nd in MotoGP at Assen – Rossi wrote – an unforgettable day, made possible thanks to their talent and the amazing work of everyone at the VR46 Riders Academy, the VR46 Racing Team and Ducati”.

“We'll enjoy today (Sunday), we’re on top of the world”, concluded the nine-time world champion.

Translated by Heather Watson

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