Dream home podium for Bezzecchi with 2nd at #SanMarinoGP, Marini 9th

Marco Bezzecchi scored his eleventh podium of the 2023 season in front of the Italian crowd (6 Sunday race podiums and 5 Sprint race podiums) on the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Incredible result, considering the injury to his left hand, which means third place the overall standings with 218 points (P2 among the Teams with 353 points). Another top 10 placement for Luca Marini who crossed the finishing line in ninth place.

Immediately together with the leaders and fighting for the podium, Marco was in the slipstream of the leading duo for 18 laps. Protagonist of a beautiful overtaking on Bagnaia 9 laps from the chequered flag, he crossed the finishing line in second.

Nice recovery after a complicated start for Luca from 8th. Battling in the group behind the podium for most of the race, he was capable of a great final and finished by collecting seven points (P7 in the general standings with 135 points). Next appointment for him tomorrow is the official MotoGP test day, while Marco will return to the track directly for the Indian GP to focus on his recovery after the injury.

MARCO BEZZECCHI

A very tough race, but I couldn’t give up. I would have liked to give my Team, my family, Vale and all the fans a victory, I tried, but Jorge (Martin) was very fast. I started well and I was then in the slip stream for a long time. I struggled on the front tyre and the bike became very physical to handle. My hand started to hurt, but I didn’t lose the contact. I overtook Pecco (Bagnaia) and perhaps the adrenaline effect ended there. The pain became very tough at the end, which is why I will skip tomorrow’s tests. I want to arrive in India in the best possible conditions, it will be a busy weekend. One more reason to organize a big party tonight with all my friends here at the home GP! What an emotion!

LUCA MARINI

A difficult race: the start wasn’t perfect, I got stuck in group and I lost a lot of time. I really struggle to overtake, in acceleration I lose 2/3 tenths. Then with the consumption of the tyre, I fought better and I managed to manage it, but at that point the game for the race was over. We need to work on the speed and QP. In the battle I wasn’t able to perform as I wanted and it’s a shame to have a day like this right in front of the many Italian fans on the track.