Rejecting Pramac: “You can’t afford to go the wrong way”

Marco Bezzecchi has shared insights into his significant choice to remain with VR46 instead of joining Pramac.

His exceptional performance in the initial part of the 2023 season unexpectedly positioned him as a contender in the MotoGP championship race.

Although Ducati presented him with the opportunity to switch to a latest-spec Desmosedici with Pramac this year, he opted to stick with a year-old version at VR46 instead.

“It was a heartfelt choice,” he explained 

“But I won’t deny that I thought a lot about what to do. 

“MotoGP today is not an easy environment and you can’t afford to go the wrong way. 

“It was also a life choice and I am happy to be where I am, because it is my habit to always give my best and there must be the conditions to do so.

“In Team VR46 I can be put in a position to ride giving 100%.”

Upon renewing his contract with Valentino Rossi’s team, Bezzecchi anticipated that Luca Marini would continue as his teammate. However, Marini opted for Repsol Honda, and his position has been filled by Fabio di Giannantonio.

“No, honestly, before signing the contract to stay with the VR46 team I didn’t know that Luca would move to Honda,” Bezzecchi admitted. 

“Also because, from what I know, it was a last minute decision. 

“Having said that, I maintain the same enthusiasm as always; the one I had when I signed the contract with Vale’s team.”

Bezzecchi told about Marini: “I’ve always gotten along very well with Luca and it will be strange not to see him in the garage anymore. 

“Also because the same setup has been in the garage for a few years. 

“Luca, however, made the best choice for his career and I think that’s right.”

Bezzecchi concluded the previous season in third place in the standings, trailing behind champion Francesco Bagnaia and runner-up Jorge Martin.

He outlined his aspirations for the current year, stating, “Like all riders, I dream big, but I have also learned to stay grounded.”

“At the end of the winter tests I want to draw a line and, realistically, define the 2024 objective. 

“I believe there will be the elements to evaluate.”

Bezzecchi secured his inaugural premier class victory, marking the first triumph for the VR46 team, in Argentina during the second Grand Prix of the previous year.

Triumphs in France and India followed, but his season took a downturn after a collarbone fracture suffered in an accident at the VR46 Ranch.

“It’s not easy to always win, undoubtedly,” he reflected. 

“Until the injury, however, I was fast and often finished races in the top six places. 

“Then I hurt my right collarbone and at that point it was difficult to stay competitive. 

“But I don’t want to make excuses, the injury wasn’t the only reason why I lost a bit of competitiveness. 

“I wasn’t as effective as at the beginning of the season also due to other factors.”

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