Francesco Bagnaia on Marco Bezzecchi: “One of the Fastest Riders of Our Time
In a recent interview, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, shared a rare glimpse into his thoughts on fellow Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi. As rivals on the track but friends off it, Bagnaia did not hold back in expressing admiration for Bezzecchi, calling him “one of the fastest riders of our time” and even admitting that he has learned from his younger compatriot. This admission sheds light on the dynamic between the two Italian riders, who, despite competing for the same ultimate prize, have a mutual respect that transcends the fierce nature of MotoGP.
Marco Bezzecchi’s rise in MotoGP has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming from the ranks of the Moto3 and Moto2 championships, he quickly made his mark in the premier class as a force to be reckoned with. In just a few short years, he has emerged as one of Ducati’s brightest talents, showcasing an impressive blend of speed, technique, and racecraft. His breakthrough came in 2023 when he notched several podium finishes, and even clinched his maiden MotoGP victory, signaling to the world that a new star had arrived.
For Bagnaia, Bezzecchi’s journey mirrors his own early years, which makes their rivalry even more special. Both riders cut their teeth in the MotoGP feeder series and have since evolved into two of the sport’s premier racers. As members of the “VR46 Academy,” they share a unique bond, having trained under the guidance of Valentino Rossi, a legend in the sport.
In the interview, Bagnaia highlighted the qualities that make Bezzecchi stand out: “Marco has an incredible ability to push the limits. His speed is undeniable, and his capacity to adapt to different race conditions is something I’ve had to take notice of. He’s one of the fastest riders of our time, and there have been moments where I’ve genuinely learned from him.”
These words carry significant weight coming from Bagnaia, who, in his own right, has been at the pinnacle of MotoGP over the past few seasons. As the 2022 World Champion and a consistent front-runner, Bagnaia has established himself as one of the best. However, his humility in recognizing the talent of his competitors, particularly Bezzecchi, reveals his understanding that the landscape of MotoGP is ever-evolving.
Bagnaia further elaborated, “There are certain aspects of Marco’s riding that have influenced me, especially his precision in the corners and his ability to control the bike under pressure. We all watch each other closely, and Marco is someone I keep an eye on. There’s no room for complacency in MotoGP. You need to learn from everyone, even your rivals.”
Despite their respect for each other, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi’s rivalry on the track is heating up. In the 2024 season, Bezzecchi has consistently challenged Bagnaia for podium positions, and their battles have become a talking point among MotoGP fans. Both riders represent the new era of Italian dominance in the sport, and their competition is expected to define the coming years.
But while there is tension on the track, off the circuit, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi maintain a strong friendship. Their shared experiences at the VR46 Academy have created a bond that is difficult to break. When asked about their relationship, Bagnaia smiled and said, “We are friends, no doubt. But on the track, it’s different. Once the race starts, you’re not thinking about friendships, you’re thinking about winning. That’s the nature of this sport.”
Bezzecchi, in turn, has also expressed his admiration for Bagnaia, acknowledging the reigning champion’s ability to handle pressure and his consistency. “Pecco is someone I look up to. He’s shown what it takes to win at the highest level, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him. But at the same time, I want to beat him. That’s what drives me.”
The VR46 Academy, founded by Valentino Rossi, has played a crucial role in the development of both Bagnaia and Bezzecchi. It is a training ground for young Italian riders looking to make their mark in MotoGP, and its influence is evident in the careers of both men. Bagnaia often credits the academy for helping him refine his skills, while Bezzecchi has also benefited from the same tutelage, allowing him to develop into the rider he is today.
Bagnaia touched on this in the interview: “The Academy is more than just a place to train. It’s a family. We push each other to be better, and it’s helped create some of the best riders in the world. Marco and I wouldn’t be where we are today without it.”
This shared background has undoubtedly contributed to the camaraderie between the two riders, but it also adds an extra layer of complexity to their rivalry. They are not just competing for individual glory, but also carrying the legacy of the VR46 Academy on their shoulders.
As the 2024 MotoGP season progresses, the battle between Bagnaia and Bezzecchi is expected to intensify. Both riders are in top form, and their performances will likely be crucial in determining the championship standings. Bagnaia’s experience and consistency give him an edge, but Bezzecchi’s raw speed and hunger for victory make him a formidable challenger.
When asked about the possibility of Bezzecchi overtaking him as the top Ducati rider, Bagnaia responded with characteristic humility: “Anything can happen in MotoGP. Marco has all the qualities to become a champion. I just have to stay focused and continue improving because he’s always pushing the limits.”
This sentiment reflects the respect that Bagnaia holds for Bezzecchi, while also acknowledging the reality of the sport — that no rider’s position at the top is guaranteed.
Francesco Bagnaia’s recognition of Marco Bezzecchi as “one of the fastest riders of our time” is a testament to the young rider’s growing influence in MotoGP. It also highlights the unique relationship between the two — one defined by rivalry, respect, and a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport. As both riders continue to compete at the highest level, their friendly yet fierce competition will undoubtedly be one of the key narratives in MotoGP for years to come.
With Bagnaia learning from Bezzecchi and vice versa, the future of MotoGP looks bright, especially for Italian motorsport fans who are witnessing the dawn of a new golden era led by these two extraordinary talents.
