Let's talk MotoGP: Imagine where Fabio Quartararo would be in Marco Bezzecchi's place

Marco Bezzecchi once again shone at the Czech Grand Prix, thanks to a magnificent overtake on Fabio Quartararo, but that's not all. The Italian is slowly becoming one of the strongest riders on the grid: his adaptation to the Aprilia RS-GP has never been so good, and frankly, it's a pleasure to see. Can the "Bez" now aim higher? Frankly, it makes you want to believe it.

 

A new leader of the championship?

 

You know that I love Marco Bezzecchi, for his personality, but also and above all his talent on the handlebars. I still often think back to his excellent 2023 season, marked by three exceptional victories. When he signed with Aprilia while he was going through a bad patch with Ducati, this transfer seemed like a good idea to me. First, he was freeing himself from a brand saturated in talent, which, in any case, would probably never have been able to give him an official handlebar. With Aprilia, he can flourish, and at the same time realize a childhood dream: Bezzecchi has always said that his wish was to be a factory rider.

 

 

Although, unlike many spectators – who thought that his performance depended entirely on a seemingly perfect Desmosedici – I was very optimistic about this choice, I did not expect these results. Bezzecchi, since the beginning of the year, has progressed enormously in qualifying, he has calmed down, become more professional, rides with his head, and, sometimes, remains the only one capable of competing with Marc Marquez's pace over a lap or two.

These efforts are reflected perfectly in the general classification: at the time of writing, Marco Bezzecchi is fourth, despite an unfortunate crash at the Sachsenring as he was heading for another podium finish. He has been extremely consistent in his performance, and above all, took full advantage of Grand Prix events that were favorable to his bike, as in Great Britain and the Netherlands.

Marco is impressive and continues to rise. Jorge Martin's absence has allowed him to take on more of a role within the Noale firm, and perhaps to provide some direction, supported by some very good results. In interviews, you can feel the confidence that comes from this. After the Czech GP, I don't see any major gaps in his game: he has everything he needs to get back to the top, and, why not, catch up with Pecco Bagnaia at the end of the year.

I sincerely believe that it is possible, unless Bagnaia finds the miracle recipe that made him win eleven times in 2024. Bezzecchi is 57 points behind his great friend in the standings, but he is much closer to winning than Pecco. The proof is in Brno, where Bezzecchi got rid of all his competitors – with this gem of an outside shot on Quartararo – except Marc Marquez, of course. Bagnaia, at the moment, is not performing at that level.

 

 

What does Quartararo have to do with this?

 

When you read this title, you may have been surprised. Why mix Fabio Quartararo with Marco Bezzecchi? Well, quite simply, because he could have been in his place. Apparently, during the 2024 season, Aprilia had made an offer to the French rider, who, to everyone's surprise, preferred to continue with Yamaha. No one expected this, as "El Diablo" had been quite critical of the French team in the press. I wrote a rather controversial article at the time, in which I stated that I did not understand this choice, which was apparently illogical from a purely sporting point of view.Many agreed, but a handful of you questioned this strong opinion. The arguments were always the same: You were talking about Yamaha's financial strength., from the rank of concessions, also, which allows the tuning fork brand to continue to develop the engine, and many other parameters which were more about potential than results.

One year later, where are we? Yamaha continues to disappoint me, wasting huge opportunities, but also focusing on that famous V4 engine that will apparently arrive at the beginning of next season. On paper, it's a seller, that's clear. The image of Max Bartolini, working tirelessly day and night to improve the bike, with a short coffee in front of the various engines currently being developed, is enticing. But in reality, what does the track say?

 

 

Fabio Quartararo is a generational talent who still can't win. A year later, his negative comments continue, and after Brno, he said that the Yamaha lacked an engine, just like back then. The other drivers? They can't do it.Rins is nowhere to be seen, as is the non-existent Miguel Oliveira. Jack Miller can shine at times, sure, but he's still 14th overall, still not cured of his chronic irregularity.

This two-year contract extension is costly, not for Yamaha, which is a very powerful brand, but for Fabio. It costs him time. It's been four years since 2022, that's absolutely nothing, since the YZR-M1 has been playing for nothing. Four of the best years of his career (23-26 years old) summed up in three victories, four poles, and nine podiums. Do you know what four years represent for a top-level athlete? In a discipline as unpredictable and dangerous as the MotoGP, it's an eternity.

We can only do alternate history, but I am sure that, if Quartararo had agreed to join Aprilia, He is reportedly fighting with Alex Marquez for second place in the championship.. I sincerely think he is stronger than Marco Bezzecchi – Who could say otherwise? With a two-year contract, he could have had the luxury of choosing his team for the start of the 2027 season, which promises to be absolutely crucial for the future. Except that in the meantime, he would have reminded the motorcycling world that he is one of the best riders in recent history.

I will conclude by repeating what I said a year ago: I wish Quartararo the best, and if he can silence me by winning the next five titles with Yamaha, I would be the happiest of men.

I'm curious to know your opinion on the Bezzecchi question, and also on the choice of Quartararo. Was he the right one, after a year of reflection? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport