VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi has arrived in MotoGP and his manner is reminiscent of Valentino Rossi – But the Italian wants to convince above all as himself
Thanks to third and fourth places for his VR46 riders, Valentino Rossi had every reason to be happy during his on-site visit to Spielberg. Especially with Marco Bezzecchi, there was plenty of celebration in the pits afterwards.
Rossi made no secret of the fact that he is determined to keep the young Italian in the team during the Austrian weekend. Although the 24-year-old is only riding his second MotoGP season, he has already celebrated two Grand Prix victories and has been on the podium a total of five times. He is third in the overall standings.
Bezzecchi has an intensive relationship with Rossi, even though the eight-time world champion himself is no longer active in MotoGP and is only at the track from time to time.
Enger exchange with Valentino Rossi
“We have a very good relationship, especially because we have known each other for many years,” “He also helped me a lot at the races, even when he was at home.”
“From home he is always in contact with us. And also with my crew, because Matteo was his data engineer. So for me it’s very important to have him as a coach and a friend because you can learn a lot from him. So it’s a big, big honour to be his driver.”
Asked about his mentor’s advice, Bezzecchi reveals, “There wasn’t just one, there were many. But at Le Mans, for example, he helped me a lot from home.”
“We stayed in touch throughout the weekend because I needed to improve something on the handling, and he helped me a lot. And it worked well.” So much so that Bezzecchi celebrated his second win of the season in France.
The fact that he is often compared to Rossi or even Marco Simoncelli not only because of his increasing successes but also because of his personality does not bother Bezzecchi – on the contrary. “For me it’s cool,” he says.
“It’s positive because these comparisons refer to two riders I’ve always liked. I like very much to be recognised because I am myself. So sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s still something that doesn’t cause me any problems. I’m happy about it and I’m also happy when people like me.”
And who is Marco Bezzecchi? “As a person, I’m a normal guy of my age who makes his dream his profession. So a lucky guy,” the 24-year-old says about himself. “But I’m also a guy who works very, very hard. And I always give my whole heart to racing and motorbikes. “
