A stunning weekend at the Argentina GP saw a new name rise to the top step of the box, with Marco Bezzecchi creating a little bit of history with his maiden premier class win, while it also marks a first-ever MotoGP™ win for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. In celebration of the smiley Italian, why not get to know him a little better below?
1. As is the case for many MotoGP™ riders, Bezzecchi grew up watching Valentino Rossi in action which inspired him to chase his motorcycle racing dream. Unlike many others however, the Italian has had to opportunity to work closely with the MotoGP™ Legend for many years, coming through the VR46 academy. He continues to ride with them in the premier class, and has said he would love to see The Doctor take a more hands on role within his team.
2. The World Championship has visited some stunning destinations in its time, but few have provided the spellbinding action and memorable moments that we had in Laguna Seca. Immediately we think back to Rossi’s sensational battle with Casey Stoner in 2008 to become King of the Corkscrew, and if Bezzecchi were to have his way, the Championship would return there. The California circuit tops the Italian’s wish list of tracks he would love to ride at.
3. Among other sports such as football, basketball and tennis, it was skateboarding and snowboarding which Bezzecchi really took to growing up. Still practicing to this day, the VR46 rider is a huge fan of the sport, so much so that he would love to invite Shaun White, a five-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist, to the paddock for a Grand Prix weekend.
4. In fact, his ideal guests for a dinner party would include White, his mentor Rossi and AMA Motocross Champion Jason Anderson. Now that’s a meal we’d love to get a ticket to!
5. Bezzecchi dons the #72 at the front of his Desmosedici, but given the chance, he would switch it to #12, currently occupied by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). It’s the number that he sported during his Moto3™ days, and he even has it tattooed on his hands; one on his right hand’s fourth finger, and the other in place of a wedding ring on the left hand!
6. Life on the road and on track can be pretty hectic, so Bezeccchi loves to disconnect by going on walks with his pitbull – Rubik.
7. Fluent in both Italian and English, Bezzecchi has set his sights on learning Japanese. Indeed, he seems to be fascinated by the land of the rising sun, with the food from there among his favourite. Despite this, he remains a true Italian, with his meal of choice a good old fashioned Ragu, coupled with a gin and tonic.
8.In terms of music, Bezz loves some hip hop and rock, but Bob Marley is his favourite artist, with the classic Redemption Song his favourite tune. An excellent choice!
9. What’s the best piece of advice you could give a MotoGP™ rider? For Bezzecchi, it’s slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
10. Should we ever seen the Italian conquer the MotoGP™ World Championship, he has promised us that he will do the traditional lap of honour on circuit wearing nothing but his underwear! We can only hope that it isn’t a wet day if that comes to fruition!