Aprilia’s Rise in MotoGP
Aprilia has become a formidable competitor for Ducati in the MotoGP championship, with some even considering it as equal. However, it wasn’t until the Portuguese Grand Prix that the factory team managed to secure a victory on Sunday entirely based on their own performance.
Bezzecchi’s Journey to Victory
Marco Bezzecchi had previously won the British Grand Prix in May, but that win was influenced by Fabio Quartararo’s retirement from a strong lead. Similarly, Raul Fernandez claimed victory at the Australian Grand Prix in October, but he was competing under the independent Trackhouse team.
Bezzecchi faced several challenges leading up to the Portuguese Grand Prix. Despite often being the fastest rider, he struggled to cross the finish line first in the last three races. This pattern was evident in Indonesia and Australia, where he crashed with Marc Marquez at Mandalika, resulting in a double long lap penalty that allowed Fernandez to win at Phillip Island.
After securing a lights-to-flag victory from pole position at Portimao, Bezzecchi expressed his belief in the project and his confidence with the bike. He acknowledged the hard work of the engineers and the entire factory team in Noale.
Continuous Improvement and Team Efforts
“We were able to improve day by day,” Bezzecchi said. “Of course, I always believed in the project, and I’ve always been confident with my bike. The engineers and the whole factory in Noale worked super well always. It’s true that at the beginning, we struggled a bit, but then we were able to improve.”
He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the team, emphasizing the 24/7 analysis and study conducted by the factory. The collaboration with engineers like Fabiano Sterlacchini and test rider Lorenzo Savadori played a significant role in improving the bike.
Building Confidence and Knowledge
“Riding more and more, I also got to know the bike better. We built something better day by day,” Bezzecchi added. While acknowledging that there are still areas to improve, he noted that the team is making progress every Friday.
Despite the challenges, Bezzecchi remains optimistic about the future. His recent success in Portugal has solidified his position as a strong contender for third place in the championship, behind the Marquez brothers.
Championship Outlook
Bezzecchi currently leads Francesco Bagnaia by 35 points in the standings. For Bagnaia to have a chance of taking third, he would need to secure all available points in the Valencia finale. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi only needs to avoid scoring in Spain to maintain his position.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Aprilia and Bezzecchi, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the season. With continued improvements and teamwork, the future looks promising for the Italian rider and his team.