We saw him in Indonesia with the RSV4 and now we see him again in Malaysia with the RS-GP 25. For Marco Bezzecchi, the new year has a special flavor because Aprilia has decided to bet on him and on his part there is great anticipation for this new challenge that awaits him.
On the eve of the Sepang tests, the rider of the Noale manufacturer is chomping at the bit about this new adventure that awaits him.
"In Mandalika I did not ride much because of the flu, but it was great to have tested the RSV4," he began, "I am very happy to be here in Malaysia and in the box there is a good atmosphere, there is a great desire to start. We just have to keep our feet anchored on the ground, but no one is stopping us from being happy."
Marco, going back to 2024, what mistakes do you think you made?
"I made quite a few mistakes. If you don't get what you want, there is always something you do wrong."
You are now a factory rider. Is it more of a responsibility or a motivation?
"Definitely it is an important role because from tomorrow onward the future of our bike is decided and it will be strange, but at the same time really nice. It is a responsibility and at the same time a privilege.
We have been talking for a long time in recent months and I am excited about this challenge. I personally enjoy talking to engineers and comparing notes, although I like riding motorcycles more."
What has impressed you about Aprilia?
"Their great passion, from the first to the last of the employees, as well as the happiness in their eyes when they saw us. The bike is beautiful, as is the factory. Their faces were priceless."
Did you get a chance to talk to Savadori after the shakedown?
"We talked to him and also to the Trackhouse guys. I think they did a great job over the winter and now it's our turn.
After Barcelona we gave some pointers and my and Jorge's comments were pretty similar. So I'm curious."
How much does the Aprilia change from the Ducati, then considering the equipment you have?
"It's different, but it's not always worse. It is often useful to have certain devices. In Montmeló we started to take advantage of them and understand how to use them.
Here we have more days and I'm curious to learn more and more about it."
Compared to the Ducati, how different is the Aprilia?
"As I have already said the bike is different, but to tell the truth I am happy with everything. In fact, I cannot complain: there are strong points and others where it will need work."
What has impressed you most?
"I felt very good with the front end, in fact it was really crazy how much we found in Barcelona. I was very impressed."
How is the relationship with new chief engineer Venturato?
"We still don't know each other well, but Francesco is a funny person, very intelligent and serious. He has a kind of double face, a bit like me: serious in the box and funny outside.
There are a lot of new people around me this year, and it will take time to get to the right amalgam."
What can you tell us about the 100K Ranch, was it a good scrap?
"For some it is the event of the year, for others it isn't. Fortunately there are those who are smart enough to figure it out. It's certainly nice because there are so many people and it's a chance to be with them closely."
