Marco Bezzecchi leaves Le Mans still leading the world championship, but in France he lost out for the first time to a Jorge Martín who has truly returned to the form that allowed him to win the title in 2024. Marco, however, did a great job of staying focused, maximizing his potential over a weekend in which he was never really in a position to challenge for the win.
The double podium in the Sprint Race and Grand Prix could be the starting point for regaining his confidence with the Aprilia, which perhaps was a bit lacking here at Le Mans compared to the first four races of the season.
"I’m very happy with the race; it was a very long one," commented Bezzecchi. “At the start, I thought they’d pass me right away. I didn’t expect to lead the race for so many laps; I never felt completely comfortable on the bike. But I tried to give it my all on the track until six or seven laps from the end. I was having more and more problems, but I didn’t feel bad at that moment. When I saw that Jorge had passed Pedro, his gap started to close quickly. Obviously, when you’re used to being out front, things change a bit. I tried not to get too stressed; I didn’t want to make mistakes or throw it all away just to get passed a lap later. I’m happy because I gave it my all, and getting two podiums this weekend is honestly the best I could have done, so I can only thank the team.”
So, the overall result is positive.
"Yes, because being able to pull it together when things are tough is always important. I, along with the team and everyone in the pit, gave it our all. It was different at Jerez, because there I felt great on the bike, but even though I gave it my all, it didn’t go as well in my opinion."
But did you think you could win?
"I believed I could because believing is the only way you can try to give your all every time. But when Jorge closed in, I tried to push even harder, but I realized right away that I’d reached my limit and there were still so many laps left—I was starting to struggle. His gap was closing, so I knew he’d catch up sooner or later."
Maybe you chose to settle for a bit?
"Sometimes it’s better to settle. You always have to understand the two options you have. Try to do more but risk a lot, or settle for continuing a good run. It’s not that I’m happy right now, but with some time tonight and a clear head, I’ll definitely see it in a better light."
What did Martín have that you didn’t here?
"Jorge was incredibly strong all weekend; he rode brilliantly and always had great traction. I did my best to try and do some things like him, but in reality, I didn’t have the same confidence with the front end that I’ve had in previous races. To try and compensate, I pushed the tyres hard, and in fact, I suffered for it in the end. But I don’t think I can complain after a weekend like this."
How does it feel to be battling with Jorge?
"Actually, I’ve never had to battle with my teammate before. For now, it’s too early to say much. But at the same time, the level is very high for everyone, and Jorge was incredibly strong this weekend. I need to be smart about trying to use this to my advantage, just as he’s certainly doing with me. I need to grow, learn, and take the good from everyone."
Today was also the day of the first all-Aprilia MotoGP podium.
"Aprilia deserves this. I’m thrilled to be part of this story. Aprilia has worked incredibly hard at Noale, just as they do here on the track at every race. Their approach is fantastic; I felt right at home when I joined Aprilia, and I always want to give my all to help them and work to improve every day. We’ve also gone through some tough times, but things are going well now. However, we have to keep our feet on the ground because I know there are some very difficult tracks coming up for us.”
You’re still leading the world championship. Are you starting to think about it seriously?
"I think it’s still too early; there are many races left. Right now, I don’t think about it too much, but it’s clear that it’s also nice to be in this situation. Battling with Jorge is tough because he’s very fast, but over the weekend, you can always learn from him. I use him as motivation to get stronger, and I know he does the same with me. There’s still a long way to go."
You weren’t able to use the medium rear tyre here, which is usually ‘your’ tyre. Did that perhaps affect the result?
"On this track, the soft rear tyre was practically the only option we had. I tried the medium rear in FP1, but it wasn’t the right choice to make—it wasn’t for anyone. It’s true that I struggled in many ways this weekend, but I don’t know how much of it was due to the tyres. In any case, we did the best we could here; I just want to build on this."
Marc Marquez will be out at Barcelona. Do you think your real rival for the title is Jorge?
"First of all, it’s a shame to see Marc injured. He had a bad crash, and that’s never a pretty sight. I think it’s too early to talk about the championship, but certainly Jorge is pushing as hard as he can right now, and I’d say that’s driving both of us to improve. Maybe soon we’ll be battling each other, but for now, things are going well!"
In the past, you said you’d make room at home for the World Championship bike. Is there room?
"Yes, I even moved houses recently! Actually, these things help motivate you every day. In reality, I sometimes make up my own motivations to push a little harder. Especially at home, because here they have to keep me calm more often."
Photo credit: Pier Luca Brunetti