English
Italiano
It can - for all intents and purposes - be defined as the start of a new era, cutting in some ways that umbilical cord that kept him anchored to the Ducati world. At Buriram Marco Bezzecchi inaugurates his World Championship riding the Aprilia.
A new bike, a new team is an unprecedented position for the man who has always been in a satellite team and now savors the burden of being an official rider. On the eve of the start, the rider from Viserba told his story in a long interview with music as a common thread.
As always, Bez is clear, crystal clear, direct and transparent, getting straight to the point, without mincing words.
"Finally we're off and I'm really happy," he began, "being here in Aprilia is all very nice and different from what I was used to in the past. It's exciting to see all these people around me and this pressure is cool to experience."
You named your Aprilia Alba Rosa...
"It has a very nice meaning, representing a new beginning, a new day. It's a bit of a retro name, which you don't hear as much now, plus there's the juxtaposition of two names. Already with the name Marianna I struggled in the days of Ducati, with Alba Rosa I didn't get very far (smiles)."
What is the song that photographs the start of your World Championship?
"To tell the truth, there is no single song because I am listening to all sorts of genres. I have a bit of variety, in fact there are a mixture of songs in the play list. If I had to pick one I would say Another Brick in the Wall, since I'm listening to the Pink Floyd album. My favorite though is Redemption Song by Bob Marley."
Speaking of music: what genre is the Aprilia and the Ducati?
"The Aprilia is a tech-house bike, while the Ducati was more Dance. I would say it fits."
You have always been a basketball fan. Can we say that this Aprilia represents the NBA?
"In my opinion MotoGP is the NBA while Aprilia is one of the most renowned teams that participate like Miami, Golden State or Denver or Lakers, since it is one of the top teams. I'll leave it up to you to choose which one you prefer."
You started your career with long trips in an RV: with your father Vito and Gorini to photograph you. What kind of Bezzecchi is the one today?
"The character has remained the same, however, I think I have matured in terms of my approach to work and the way I approach the races. Obviously there is always room for improvement, although I think I have grown in my method of work."
Bez is unpolitically correct. Now that you are a factory rider, however, do you have to become more political?
"This is a side of me that I would have a hard time changing, thus becoming politically correct. The fact is that I like to tell it like it is, in a truthful way, without beating around the bush too much."
How life-changing is being a factory rider?
"It is a step up in everything. It changes the responsibilities as well as the weight of one's opinion. I experienced this firsthand, because on your choices then depends the development of a motorcycle and the work of an entire factory."
It also changes the bank account though...
"But no, come on, the bank account is the least of the problems (smiles). I think I haven't opened the bank app in like 5-6 years (laughs)."
Do you remember the day you were chosen?
"It was a process that took a while. I became very interested in wanting to be part of Aprilia, moving my manager around. Between me and Massimo there had then already been an exchange of interest, but I was not ready. Then Rivola came to my house in Viserba for lunch, to have lunch with my parents. That was the day I realized we were going to work together."
Did you also convince him with cooking?
"Cold passatelli, cooked by my mom. Ask Massimo what they were like."
Rivola sounds like a very youthful manager. Do you share this view?
"He is as serious about his work like one of us is when we go outside the circuit for dinner. He likes to joke around, keep company, have a joke ready, and talk a load of bullshit."
Are you afraid of speed?
"No, speed is what I live for! It gives me adrenaline and a fair amount of addiction."
When you say Aprilia you think of Biaggi, who was Valentino's great rival. How do these two worlds meet?
"I had never talked to him much in the past, because we had always seen each other very little. I got a chance to be able to talk to him, and in the end Max is cool - I got along well and he's nice. Of course, I don't know him as well as Valentino. I have always been a Rossi fan and I always cheered for him when he was challenging Max. But now it's different: Biaggi is a champion and I think he's good added value. I think he can teach us many things."
How did you experience Martin's injury?
"In these cases you never know what to say. I wrote to him last night, waiting some time first and trying to put myself in his shoes. When he got hurt at the tests I had more of a weight on my shoulders, but now that we are in a race weekend I deal with it as I would have if he was there as well."
Marquez will be in the box with Bagnaia. What do you think about that?
"I honestly don't know what that means, since I don't have that sort of problem. They start as the favourites, but I don't have that problem. I just want to continue my apprenticeship, trying to do it as quickly as possible."
How do you live with being a media personality?
"It depends on the situations and it's nice to see so many fans. If I am here it is also thanks to them. I don't hide the fact that sometimes a little excitement can take over, while at races I never get fed up, in fact I try to devote more attention to it."
If you were not a racer, would you be?
"A mechanic."
Petrucci will cheer for you, he wants to see you on the podium.
"We are very close friends, we spoke after Phillip Island. He always told me he was a fan of mine, and for me he is great. When he was racing in MotoGP for me he was a hero and, knowing that he is a fan of mine is a wonderful feeling."
Are you going to have a night in Ibiza?
"Sure, I would love to go with him and have a night! If he wants to be there, I'll pay for it."
How do you arrive at the first Grand Prix in Buriram?
"In testing we did a good job. We arrive quite prepared even though the conditions will be different. Too bad about Jorge's absence. In testing it was hard because there was the development to carry on, whereas here as it is a race weekend it will be easier working alone. Of course it's bad not being able to have him in the pits and not being able to count on his data to grow faster. My way of working however does not change. A prediction? I don't know, because the tests are on different programs and neither can I make a comparison with Ducati not having tried the GP25. Overall I am adapting well, but there is still work to be done, in any case it is better than I thought."
"I still have to work on my riding style, however, overall I am satisfied. At Sepang it was difficult having had to try so many parts and even here in Buriram it was not easy to understand the behavior of the bike. Fortunately on the last day I was able to confirm the quality of some of the new things and focus on myself. I hope I can continue to improve. The race simulation went well, but usually the track conditions are always very good during testing. However, let's say I have a clearer picture now and I have a better understanding of how to manage the tires. However, I want to be cautious because the race weekend is always different."
