The story is unusual...
Usually, when a pilot or his entourage promises to ward off fate, it rather concerns the hair of the interested parties, like “if I win this, I’ll shave or dye my hair”.
Recently, we have seen Maverick Vinales shave after his victory and Alvaro Bautista turn purple (Scott Redding, he does not need the slightest pretext to sport hair… let's say different!).
In the case of Marco Bezzecchi, this goes much further since not only does it concern 5 people, but the object of the promise was a tattoo, by definition indelible.
Let's give the floor to Florian Chiffoleau, its technical manager: “It's something we bet on at the start of the year when we were aiming for a top 7. So we said to ourselves that we would get a tattoo after the first victory. The whole team ! It's true that victory came much faster than expected, from Argentina! So we got a tattoo related to this victory, either the circuit or the trophy which was a brake disc. We all did that and we were happy because it kicked off the season a bit since we weren't expecting such a level of performance from the start. It set the tone for the rest of the season.”
It’s still the sign of an extremely close-knit team: a lifelong commitment!
“Yes, it’s for life but it was a very important point. Precisely, what made it work this year was the atmosphere and the atmosphere of the team. We all had a good mentality and there was good mutual support in the group. It’s true that it’s a little stronger than dyeing your hair (laughs).”
Who is this group made up of?
“From Marco Bezzecchi, my 2 mechanics, Simon Dubouloz and Diego Sanchez, and my data guy, Samuel Brito”.
Is this a bit usual between you or is it exceptional? You don't get tattoos every year...
“No, it’s my first. But it’s true that there was a good atmosphere and that was really important for the performance. This is a crucial point, because a season is a long time. You need mental stability. In moments that are a little down, you have to keep your mental strength up to get back to performance.”
Next year, you and Marco will be at Tech3…
“Yes, and we will remain KTM. They really like the fact of coming in pairs but it was not possible to bring more people from the team to Tech3, because they already have their team. We can’t turn everything upside down, which I understand very well.”
