The first tests of Marco Bezzecchi were far from impressive. It is the least we can say. Taped to the bottom of the timesheet, the one who finished third in the last Moto3 championship after competing against George Martin regained anonymity. Or almost…
Certainly, the World Champion of the last year of the Grand Prix entry discipline is doing much better than him on the same KTM. Just like his runner-up in the 2018 general By Giannantonio, not clumsy on a Speed-Up. But these two have more personal experience while the Italian's Tech3 team is learning the KTM with two beginners. But behind Bezzecchi, there is also the academy.
A VR46 stewardship that will have to be taken into account in the evolution of the pilot. The men of the ranch Valentino Rossi have bred two consecutive Moto2 World Champions. The new manager of the young shoots is now Robert Locatelli which replaces Idalio Gavira. A mission which consists precisely of managing this type of delicate situation. A sort of first case for Loca. He explains : " Marco is one of the drivers who moved to a new category. First of all, you have to start by forgetting the instincts of the Moto3 class. If he doesn't set a time it's not because he's not good. He is working to adapt his riding style to Moto2. It’s the style that’s changing. It takes a while to change categories ».
Beyond the current situation, some people already think that it might have been better to do one more campaign in Moto3. “ Sometimes if you have the opportunity to move up a category, you do it » comments darkly Locatelli which wards off the dangers of possible discouragement which would sink his morale: “ no no. He now has a goal, he wants to progress quickly in this new category. Everyone wants to get to the top as quickly as possible. He just has to be patient ».
The Italian adds: “ don't be worried because it takes longer than expected. You must work patiently and well, step by step. This is one of the many good things the Academy teaches pilots: to be patient and work. It is the means to achieve all goals. The facts prove it: two world champions with Morbidelli and Bagnaia and now Luca Marini has flourished. Moto3 riders have become competitive through sustained work. You don't have to believe that you can do everything in one day. You must work »
« He will make progress in Qatar. What is often misleading about tests is that after a day, two or three, many are fast. If only 40 minutes are available, it will be difficult even for those who have worked well for a whole day. So there will be a leveling of values " said Locatelli.
In 2018, “Bezz” surprised with three Moto3 victories and six other podiums. “ Why he shouldn't cause a surprise in Moto2 “, declared his coach optimistically on speedweek.
