Stunning podium for Bezzecchi with 3rd in #PortugueseGP, DNF for Marini

Marco Bezzecchi leaves behind the premature epilogue of yesterday’s sprint and conquers the third step of the podium at the Portuguese GP, the first race of the 2023 season. On the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, Bezzecchi scored the second podium in the premier class of his young career.

From 8th on the grid and after an excellent start, Marco immediately kept the pace of the leading group to the limits of the top 5. He was able to keep up the rhythm of the very first riders and was third on lap six, a position he defended to the chequered flag. With today’s podium he climbs to the third place in the general standings with 16 points.

A weekend to forget for Luca, who was forced to retire twice. Ninth on the grid and tenth on lap 15, he was forced to retire after a crash. For him and for the whole team, there is an opportunity to recover in just seven days in Argentina where the second race of the season is scheduled.

MARCO BEZZECCHI

Starting the season like this is special, what a race! I got off to a strong start, compared to yesterday I started strong. I then waited a few laps, but I have to confess that I pushed hard for at least 3/4 of the distance. When I was behind Jack (Miller) I was struggling with the front tyre, I tried to overtake him as soon as possible and then get in front alone to be able to enter corners better. I pushed to open a gap on Alex (Marquez) and those behind, and as soon as the tank lightened I was able to go even faster. The setting was excellent, the guys did a great job and I was able to manage the tyre better. All thanks to the team, to Ducati, they did so much during the pre-season, to Vale, without whom I wouldn’t be here and to my whole family. I’m really happy today!

LUCA MARINI

A difficult weekend: compared to the tests and Friday, after the first crash yesterday, my feeling on the bike has completely changed. We don’t know exactly what happened, which is why we have to check the chassis before Argentina to make sure there hasn’t been any damage after the crash in the free practices. I was not competitive, I was slow and had no feeling on the front. In fact, the crash surprised me because I wasn’t pushing hard, I was just doing my race. We need to figure out what’s going on, but not lose our mind. Our preseason has been great, we need to stay calm and do our races.