Let's talk MotoGP: Is Marco Bezzecchi the only one who can make Marc Marquez bend?

Once again, in Hungary, Marco Bezzecchi distinguished himself and crossed swords with Marc Marquez. For a few laps, I'll grant you, but this season, no one has posed more of a problem for the factory Ducati rider than "Bez," who is fourth in the general classification. Frankly, he amazes me.

 

An irreproachable state of mind

 

This season for Marco Bezzecchi is already a success, no matter what happens in the coming weeks. For his first year with Aprilia, the “Bez” accomplished some pretty impressive things. I'm delighted to see him back at this level, because, like many, I imagine, he electrified me in 2023. On the RS-GP, which he was able to take control of without suffering from the comparison with an absent teammate, Bezzecchi shows previously unsuspected qualities, such as this ability to get out of desperate situations. Let me explain.

 

 

In 2023, when he was with Ducati VR46, he had the status of an outsider, capable of occasional exploits. Less attention was paid to his moments of weakness. Now, I have the impression that he takes his status as a factory rider very seriously., a position he had dreamed of since he was little. Thus, he has transformed himself into a more confident, more consistent man, but certainly not less talented. I really feel that he has improved mentally, where he could have cracked before.

In the last two Grands Prix, Bezzecchi has not been successful in Practice, as both tracks – the Red Bull Ring and then Hungary – did not really suit the RS-GP's qualities, which are better suited to long, flat corners and straight braking. On both occasions, he managed to get rid of his rivals in Q1, and to qualify very high on the grid in Q2. He started from pole position in Austria, and from second place at Balaton Park.

This is remarkable because it reflects a great quality of adaptation: Bezzecchi has the mental strength to rethink his bike from one day to the next, and to perform under the pressure of a potential Q1 elimination., which, this time, would condemn his weekend. It's very strong, and few are capable of it. Many, when it doesn't work on Friday evening, say that they can't do it, that they have no sensations, and find nothing the next day. He doesn't complain, goes to work with his engineers and maintains enough mental flexibility to find the right setting and adapt to it.

Massimo Rivola and his men must be very happy to have such a driver in their ranks, because This is precisely the strength of character that we expect from an official pilot.

 

 

Where will it stop?

 

His progression is another impressive point. Over the course of this season, he has managed to acquire real consistency in his performance, to the point that he is now always a candidate for the top 5, if not the podium. For the past two years, Aprilia had lost this profile. Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales have not been able to consistently establish themselves at the top of the rankings (at least since 2023), and owe their reputation to a few rare flashes of brilliance. Bezzecchi gives the impression, every weekend, of taking two steps forward, but never one behind, which is nevertheless common in a learning process.

I don't know how long it can last, but the speed at which it happens is striking. Example: qualifying. At the start of the season, Bezzecchi already had pace, but struggled on one lap and on the starts. Less than six months later, he is already one of the best in qualifying, and even took the holeshot at the Hungarian GP.

In 2024, but also in 2023, we sometimes felt a kind of nervousness in the race, especially in close battles. That also seems to be behind him. Against Marc Marquez, he knew how to keep his calm, not give up, and deliver an honorable battle in the last two rounds. Of course, the outcome of these battles was known, but no one has opposed Marc as well as him this year. In this sense, I personally find that he exudes more serenity than Alex Marquez in tense situations., it is a more serious competitor.

 

 

How far can it go?

 

Let's get back to the title of this article. Is he the one who can dethrone Marc Marquez in MotoGP ? I do think he's one of the few who can take a win at #93 at the end of the season. Given that he's able to make the RS-GP work on different circuit profiles, there's a good chance we'll see him lead races again, what Pedro Acosta did not really succeed in doing, another serious contender. And then, tracks that we know are favorable to Aprilia and Marco Bezzecchi are coming up: I'm thinking of Barcelona, ​​in particular, but also Mandalika.

This is just my opinion, but compared to others who can potentially beat Marquez in a race, I find that he gives off a bit more solidity thanks to his consistency and mental strength.He is therefore more likely to take advantage of a downturn in the eight-time world champion's form, unlike Aldeguer, Alex Marquez or Acosta who can shine, certainly, but also completely miss out.

In any case, if he continues like this, I see him taking third place in the championship from his friend Pecco Bagnaia, which would be just huge.

What is your opinion on Marco Bezzecchi's season so far? 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