Marco Bezzecchi: “I Came Back to See the Best Up Close
Marco Bezzecchi’s rise to prominence in the world of MotoGP has been nothing short of meteoric. From his early days in Moto3, where he began making a name for himself, to his stunning performances in Moto2 and eventual leap into MotoGP, Bezzecchi has shown a rare blend of skill, determination, and charisma. As he steps into the limelight with the VR46 team, he continues to turn heads on the track. In a recent interview, the Italian rider declared, “I came back to see the best up close,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulates his mindset and determination as he competes with the sport’s greatest.
Born in Rimini, Italy, in 1998, Marco Bezzecchi grew up with a deep passion for motorsports. Like many young Italian riders, his first encounters with motorcycles were inspired by the legends who came before him—Valentino Rossi chief among them. Bezzecchi was a standout talent from a young age, competing in various national championships before making his way to the Moto3 World Championship in 2015.
Bezzecchi’s breakthrough season came in 2018 when he joined the Redox PrüstelGP team. He secured three victories and several podiums, finishing third in the Moto3 championship that year. His aggressive style and tenacity on the track quickly caught the attention of teams in the higher categories. By 2020, he had transitioned to Moto2, where he began working closely with Rossi’s VR46 team, a partnership that would shape his career moving forward.
Bezzecchi’s entry into the premier MotoGP class in 2022 was a major milestone, representing the culmination of years of hard work. Riding for Rossi’s Mooney VR46 Racing Team, Bezzecchi had big shoes to fill, but his performances quickly silenced any doubts. Known for his fearless overtakes and ability to extract maximum performance from his bike, Bezzecchi found himself consistently battling with more seasoned riders, many of whom were world champions.
Reflecting on his journey in MotoGP, Bezzecchi’s statement—”I came back to see the best up close”—resonates with a deep sense of awe and ambition. For Bezzecchi, being able to compete side by side with the likes of Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Marc Márquez is a testament to how far he has come. But for him, this isn’t just a chance to race alongside his idols; it’s an opportunity to learn from them and eventually surpass them.
In an interview following one of his standout performances, Bezzecchi expanded on this: “I came to MotoGP knowing that I would have to face the best riders in the world. Every time I’m on the track, I’m learning. Whether it’s Pecco, Quartararo, or Márquez in front of me, I want to understand how they race, how they handle pressure, and how they manage their tires. Every race is an opportunity to get better.”
A crucial aspect of Bezzecchi’s journey has been his close relationship with Valentino Rossi. As a part of the VR46 Academy, Bezzecchi has had the privilege of being mentored by the nine-time world champion, who not only founded the team but also remains an active presence in the young rider’s career.
“Valentino has been my hero since I was a kid. Being able to train with him, talk to him, and learn from him has been incredible,” Bezzecchi said in one interview. “He pushes us to be better, to think like champions. His presence in the team isn’t just motivational—he’s also very hands-on when it comes to race strategy and mental preparation.”
The VR46 team’s success has been a testament to Rossi’s vision, and Bezzecchi is among the brightest stars to emerge from the academy. As Bezzecchi’s career continues to flourish, it’s clear that Rossi’s influence will remain a cornerstone of his development.
2023 was a defining year for Bezzecchi. His performances not only cemented his place in the MotoGP paddock but also positioned him as a legitimate contender for future world titles. His victory at the Argentine Grand Prix was a moment of triumph for both the rider and the VR46 team. Bezzecchi’s celebration after the race was a reflection of his journey—from a young boy dreaming of racing at the highest level to standing on the top step of the podium, having beaten the world’s best.
Reflecting on his success, Bezzecchi said, “Winning in MotoGP is a dream come true. It was a tough race, but I kept my focus and believed in myself. The team gave me an incredible bike, and I was able to push all the way to the end. This victory is for everyone who has supported me throughout my career.”
Despite his rapid rise, Bezzecchi remains grounded and focused on his goals. He acknowledges that there is still much to learn and that consistency will be key to future successes. “Every race is a new challenge, and MotoGP is a demanding championship. The riders here are the best in the world, and you have to be at your best every single weekend. But that’s what I love about this sport—the constant drive to improve, to push yourself beyond your limits.”
As MotoGP continues to evolve with the introduction of new riders and ever-improving technology, Marco Bezzecchi’s future looks incredibly promising. With the support of the VR46 Racing Team and the mentorship of Valentino Rossi, Bezzecchi has all the tools necessary to achieve greatness.
“I came back to see the best up close, but I’m also here to beat them,” Bezzecchi stated with a grin after a particularly intense race. His ambition is clear, and his drive to succeed is relentless. With more experience and further fine-tuning of his racecraft, it’s only a matter of time before Marco Bezzecchi becomes a household name not just in Italy, but in the world of motorsports.
As he looks to the future, Bezzecchi’s fans and critics alike are eager to see how far he can go. His journey is still in its early stages, but one thing is certain: Marco Bezzecchi is here to stay, and he is ready to take on the best that MotoGP has to offer.
