Marco Bezzecchi Reflects on Overtaking Challenges at Motegi: ‘It Was a Real Shock for Me’
Motegi’s Twin Ring circuit has a reputation for being a tricky track, and for MotoGP riders, overtaking there can be a real challenge. Marco Bezzecchi, one of the most promising riders in the premier class, experienced this firsthand during the recent Grand Prix in Japan. The Italian rider, known for his aggressive yet calculated racing style, found himself struggling to make overtakes stick—a difficulty that came as a genuine surprise.
A Surprising Struggle
Bezzecchi is no stranger to overtaking maneuvers. Throughout the season, he has shown his ability to carve through the field, often pulling off bold passes that have earned him praise. However, Motegi presented an entirely different scenario for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider.
“For me, it was a shock,” Bezzecchi admitted candidly after the race. “I didn’t expect it to be this tough to overtake. I thought I could find the right spots, but it felt like every time I tried, I was blocked or couldn’t get the bike to respond the way I needed.”
Motegi’s layout, which features several hard-braking zones and tight corners, creates a complex rhythm for riders looking to overtake. The balance between speed and control is critical, but on this particular weekend, the track conditions and the stiff competition made it even harder for Bezzecchi to find his usual flow.
The Nature of the Track
The Twin Ring Motegi circuit, nestled in the hills of Japan, is known for its stop-and-go nature. It’s a track where riders have to rely heavily on braking skills, but it also demands precise acceleration out of corners to set up overtaking opportunities. For Bezzecchi, this combination posed unique difficulties, especially with the competitive field ahead of him.
“Motegi is a track that really tests your braking points, and it can be quite unforgiving if you’re even slightly off. There were moments when I thought I had the move, but then I lost ground in the next section,” Bezzecchi explained. “It’s very different from other circuits where you can build momentum more easily.”
Bezzecchi’s comments reflect the sentiment of many riders who find the Japanese circuit to be one of the more challenging stops on the MotoGP calendar. Its high-speed straights contrasted with its slow, technical corners make for a demanding race—one where every mistake is costly, and every successful pass must be carefully calculated.
A Test of Patience
The 2024 season has been one of growth for Bezzecchi, and this race was no different. While he didn’t achieve the result he may have been hoping for, his experience at Motegi serves as an important lesson in adaptability and patience—qualities that are as crucial in MotoGP as raw speed.
“In races like this, you have to stay calm, even when things aren’t going your way,” Bezzecchi reflected. “It’s frustrating when you can’t make the moves you want, but you learn to keep pushing and find different ways to improve. I’ll take what I’ve learned here and bring it into the next race.”
Bezzecchi’s determination to keep improving is one of the reasons he’s widely regarded as a future star of MotoGP. His ability to analyze his performance and adjust his strategy is a sign of maturity, and it’s only a matter of time before he finds himself on top again.
Eyes on the Future
As the season progresses, Bezzecchi remains focused on closing the gap to the front-runners. With his talent, the backing of the VR46 team, and his relentless work ethic, he is poised to be a major contender in the races to come. Overtaking challenges like those in Motegi may slow him down temporarily, but they won’t stop him from striving for victory.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve, and every race is a chance to learn something new. Motegi was tough, but that just makes me more motivated for the next round,” Bezzecchi said, showing his unwavering commitment.
The next races will undoubtedly test him in new ways, but Bezzecchi’s resilience, adaptability, and passion for racing continue to fuel his ascent in the MotoGP ranks. Whether it’s mastering the art of overtaking on a difficult circuit or finding ways to squeeze more performance out of his machine, Bezzecchi is a rider on the rise—and the paddock is watching closely.
While Motegi may have shocked Marco Bezzecchi with its overtaking challenges, it’s clear that this experience is just another step in his development as a top-tier MotoGP rider. His ability to adapt, learn, and maintain a competitive edge is what sets him apart, and it’s this tenacity that will help him continue climbing the ranks. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Bezzecchi to see how he takes this experience forward—and whether he can turn the tables in the upcoming rounds.
