Luca Marini scores first MotoGP podium with 2nd in #AmericasGP, 6th for Marco Bezzecchi

Another memorable Sunday for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team with Luca Marini’s podium at the Americas GP, the first in the premier class for the young Italian rider on the Ducati Desmosedici GP, and the third in a row for the Team in Sunday’s race. Marco Bezzecchi also did well, sixth at the finishing line, extending his leadership in the Championship (64 points).

Starting from P3 on the grid after an excellent qualifying, Luca immediately picked up the pace of the leading group and finished with a really strong pace. Always in the podium positions, he was 2nd under the checkered flag and this means the primacy among the Teams (102 points).

A hard-fought race for Marco after an uphill Friday. Starting from the second row in P5 and fourth for most of the race. He will arrive in Jerez, the next race scheduled in two weeks, leading the general standings.

LUCA MARINI

What a fantastic day – I knew this day would come. I was very strong from the first free practice and the Team did a great job. We have prepared very well for today’s race, especially after the mistake in the Sprint and physically I am in perfect condition. I knew I had to manage the first laps well, not be in a hurry. Fabio and Jack overtook me, but I stayed behind to preserve the tyre and be stronger in the final stages. When Pecco crashed, I believed in the win, but Alex was uncatchable. I’m really happy for the Team and for all the people who have always supported me. There’s a great atmosphere in the crew, fantastic people, I knew it could be our season. We are doing great things with Marco too and the goal is to always fight for the win and the podium.

MARCO BEZZECCHI

I’m happy with the weekend: on Friday we had a lot of problems and my feeling wasn’t perfect. Yesterday, however, we managed to make a big step and today it was very easy to make a few mistakes and lose everything. The pace wasn’t bad, maybe I started too fast. I pushed a lot and ran out of front tyre. The last 7 laps I was exhausted, I had to slow down and I have lost the fourth place. This is perhaps the only regret. I’m in P1 in the Championship, it’s really still very early, but it’s always a great feeling. Congratulations to Luca, he deserves it, and to the whole Team. This group is doing something amazing.