VR46 Team MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi expressed his enthusiasm for the new season during an official presentation. The Italian rider, who finished in third place in the MotoGP world championship in 2023 despite not having an official bike, is preparing for a new campaign with the fluorescent yellow Ducati GP23.
Marco Bezzecchi shared his expectations for the upcoming season, stating that after the positive results of the previous year, he hopes to continue in the same direction. He joked about his goals, mentioning that he hopes to win at least two races this year, if not more: “ Last year I said I hoped to win at least one race. This year I hope to win at least two, better if there are more. Jokes aside, I really want to win ».
Asked about favorites, he cited Bagnaia, Martin, Bastianini, and himself, placing Marc Marquez in fifth place on his list… “ Among the favorites, I place him in 5th place, after Bagnaia, Martin, Bastianini and me ". Then he mentions: “ On Sunday we will all go to Portimão to train on the Panigale. Valentino will also be there ».
On using the Ducati GP23, shared with Marc Marquez, Bezzecchi sees this as a great opportunity to learn alongside a fast driver and as additional motivation to maintain a high level of competition: “ it will certainly be an excellent opportunity to progress with a very fast driver and a great incentive to keep the competition at a very high level » analyzes the “Bez” on the case Marc Marquez.
Marco Bezzecchi: “ I'm going to have to run with the plate on my shoulder »
Concerning his contract, which will expire, Marco Bezzecchi said he plans to discuss a possible extension after a few races, depending on initial performances. He also addressed the issue of new regulations and concessions in MotoGP, indicating that although Honda et Yamaha have certain advantages, he concentrates on his team and is not overly concerned about concessions.
As for his first impression on the Ducati GP23 in Valencia, Bezzecchi stressed that he had to get used to a different approach to corners, but he recognizes the bike's potential: “ I still have to assimilate a different way of approaching the turns. I understand what I need to do, but I can't always do it naturally. The bike has a lot of potential. We saw this with last year's results ».
Marco Bezzecchi also spoke about his physical preparation after a shoulder injury at the end of last season. He mentioned that he was actively training to be ready for the Sepang tests: “ the shoulder is fine, I still have the plate and screws that I will have to keep » admitted Marco Bezzecchi. " You have to keep them for around 6 months, and the 6 months after the operation fall exactly at the start of the championship… I will have to run with the plate. Other than that though, shoulder works well, I tried it at the Ranch, in motocross. I'm training to be ready for the new season ».
He ends with this mention on the new livery of his Ducati : " the livery is completely different from previous years, I like it a lot and it's something that maybe has never been seen in MotoGP so I'm happy and I like it, I think it's a good change ».
