Marco Bezzecchi is a very likeable guy, with a great sense of irony, and always able to crack a smile. But when he gets on a motorcycle, he becomes an absolute mastiff and, today, these two sides of the Bez's personality emerged in Misano. Or rather, in this case, of GarBez. Marco didn't sculpt a wooden leg, but he undoubtedly created a work of art in his own way, taking the pole, then the victory in the Sprint at Misano, in front of all the Italian fans. Marc Marquez's fall definitely helped but, probably, even without Marc's mistake, we would've all gotten the chance to, at least, witness a good duel. However, Marc went too far and, GarBez, like a great artist, did the right thing at the right time.
"A great Saturday. That's undeniable," Marco said. "The pole position was important, because it's also valid for tomorrow. The sprint went well, and I'm happy. Then, here, in Misano... it means we worked well, and we can do a good job tomorrow, as well."
The more you eat the more you want.
"I'm already hungry, because I didn't eat anything at lunch. I was tense, so I'll definitely eat tonight!" he said, laughing. "I always have a hard time eating before competitions."
Can you explain how the idea of GarBez came about?
"I've always been a super fan of "Aldo, Giovanni e Gioacomo" since I was a kid. I grew up with that movie there. I saw all their other skits, as well. I started goofing around in the pit, referring to their jokes a lot, and everyone started to understand me, so I started thinking, I should do something funny for Misano. I told myself I could make a wooden helmet. That was the idea, and it turned out well. About the leg during the celebrations, I didn't know anything. It was Baiocco's idea."
Did you expect that move from Marquez?
"I didn't expect him to overtake, but I had made a few mistakes, and he got pretty close. He passed me where I really didn't expect it, but I knew I could be fast and keep up with him, battle at least. It's always tough with him, but I felt it was okay, at least to be able to try. Clearly, I felt bad when he fell and, after that, I had to fight hard with his brother Alex."
Will he be the man to beat tomorrow?
"Definitely. Marc must always be considered the rival, but the two VR46s are also going strong, Alex is going fast, even Pecco can go fast. Marc is always there, even when he seems to be struggling. I went to shake his hand. It's never nice when one of your rivals falls."
This morning, would you have imagined having a Saturday like this?
"We knew we could do a good job. ouY have to be aware, but not too exuberant. Yesterday, we had laid down a good foundation. This morning, I was even better in the last free session. I made a couple of mistakes in qualifying and, honestly, I didn't hope forthe pole anymore, but I tried to give it my all, and it finally came. It was very cool. I didn't expect it."
But when Marc got closer, what happened? Because you had two slightly slow laps.
"I wasn't st the limit, but I had a little loss of concentration. That's why I made a couple of little mistakes."
Today, Martìn helped you in qualifying. How's the relationship between you?
"We're teammates. It's normal in my opinion."
How will you celebrate?
"Celebrating today, no. Clearly, it's a good moment, but you have to go to the pit and work, because the most important moment of the weekend is tomorrow, and I'd like to fight tomorrow, as well. You have to be happy, but head down and work."
Tomorrow?
"Tomorrow is Sunday! There are twice as many laps. The tires don't wear out as much, but being able to manage them well can make even more of a difference. Today, the choice was correct, but I have to check all the data."