Marco Bezzecchi had the chance to replace Johann Zarco at Prima Pramac Racing for the 2024 MotoGP season. However, even knowing he would only have last year’s bike, he chose to remain loyal to Pertamina Enduro VR46.
The Italian secured third place in the 2023 World Championship, along with his first victories, feeling comfortable in Valentino Rossi’s team. This year, though, has been much more challenging, as he has struggled to find the ideal sensations to be consistently fast with the Ducati Desmosedici GP23.
Once again at the end of his contract, Bezzecchi decided to take a new direction in his career for 2025, joining Aprilia to become a factory rider for the first time. Uccio Salucci, VR46’s team director, told Motorsport-Total.com that it is a decision he supports and aligns with one of their goals of moving riders to factory teams:
– Last year we were consistent, and he chose us. He chose us over another satellite team. We are here to bring Academy riders to factory teams, but also to win. We are here to have good seasons and to give value to the people who invest in this project. Now that he has received an offer from a real factory team, I’m happy for him and I think he made the right choice.