Dueling with Pecco Bagnaia? Marco Bezzecchi is “afraid” of Valentino Rossi

Friendship but also rivalry, with the fear of an earful from the ‘Doctor’.

Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia are among the leading candidates for the 2023 MotoGP world title, but they are also two products of the VR46 Academy who grew up together on Valentino Rossi’s Ranch. And the Rimini native, moreover a Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider, admitted that the fear of overdoing it on the track and disappointing their mentor exists.

“It’s not easy,” Bezzecchi explained about possible duels with Bagnaia, as reported by ‘Corsedimoto.’ “Everyone may think that the duels between us Academy boys are better. In reality they are a little less so, because the fear of going a little too far is always there. And this is not only true for Pecco, but for everyone. Because if we do damage, Valentino Rossi messes up.”

Bezzecchi added, however, that an advantage in “family” duels with Pecco Bagnaia exists. “When you fight on the track, you fight,” he stressed, “The difference is that we have the possibility to talk about it at home. If some incident happens, we have a way to discuss it and solve it easily. We are friends, but on the track we are rivals. And that makes sure that there is no difference.”

“Valentino Rossi has always been my absolute idol, as I grew up watching his races and victories,” Bezzecchi himself had told the Spaniards of ‘Solo Moto’ in recent days. “Now he is my boss, and I feel lucky to be able to work with him in that role. Even as a boss he is special. I remember for example Mugello, where he helped me so much from the moment he arrived. The advice he gives me is invaluable.”