Bezzecchi Celebrates Valencia Victory with Playful 'Marriage Proposal' to Aprilia Bike, Reveals Rivola Bet

Valencia, Spain – Marco Bezzecchi, fresh from his triumph at the Valencia Grand Prix, has publicly recounted the details of his celebratory "marriage proposal" to the Aprilia RS-GP bike, a gesture that captivated fans and sparked conversation across the MotoGP community. The whimsical display, reminiscent of celebrations popularized by his countryman Valentino Rossi, also unveiled a high-stakes wager with Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola, adding a layer of intrigue to the season’s finale.

The victory lap at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia witnessed Bezzecchi, in a move that echoed Rossi’s iconic celebrations, dismounting his victorious machine and genuflecting before it, symbolically proposing marriage to the RS-GP. The spectacle quickly became a talking point, with many initially interpreting it as a spontaneous expression of gratitude towards the bike that carried him to his third Grand Prix win of the season.

However, back in the paddock, Bezzecchi clarified that the proposal was not merely a spur-of-the-moment act but the culmination of a season-long bet with Rivola. According to Bezzecchi, the terms of the agreement stipulated that if he managed to secure three race victories throughout the 2024 season, he would win the bike outright. With his Valencia victory marking his third, Bezzecchi humorously declared that the "marriage proposal" was a necessary formality to seal the deal.

"I won this bike in a bet with Massimo," Bezzecchi revealed to the assembled media. "I told him that if I was able to win three races then the bike was coming home. And I won the bike… so I had to ask her if she wanted to marry me. And fortunately, she said ‘yes.’"

Related News :

The 27-year-old Italian, known for his playful personality, further elaborated on the motivation behind his celebratory antics, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

"You know, it’s super trendy to get married now, and I wanted to be a little bit more trendy," Bezzecchi joked. "Normally, I don’t follow these kinds of things so much… but I love my bike, it was super cool."

Beyond the jest, Bezzecchi emphasized the bet’s role in fueling his competitive drive throughout the season. He disclosed that he had deliberately kept a space vacant in his living room as a constant reminder of his objective.

"In my living room, I have a huge space that I’ve kept empty [for the bike] all season," he explained. "It’s been the first thing I see whenever I go into the house. This way, every time I came back home from training, I remembered very well what [I want] to try to achieve."

Bezzecchi’s creative celebrations are not unprecedented. Following his sprint race victory at Misano in September, he brandished a wooden leg, a reference to an obscure Italian film that resonated with his compatriots. This penchant for theatrics has cemented his reputation as one of MotoGP’s most charismatic figures.

The Valencia Grand Prix marked a significant milestone for Bezzecchi and Aprilia. Not only did Bezzecchi secure his third victory, but the race also saw Aprilia achieve a 1-2 finish, with Raul Fernandez claiming second place. This result underscores Aprilia’s growing competitiveness in the MotoGP arena.

Background: Marco Bezzecchi’s Career Trajectory

Marco Bezzecchi’s rise through the ranks of motorcycle racing has been marked by consistent progress and notable achievements. He began his Grand Prix career in the Moto3 class in 2015, securing his first podium finish in 2018. He then moved to Moto2 in 2019, achieving multiple podiums and race wins before graduating to MotoGP in 2022.

In his debut MotoGP season, Bezzecchi impressed with his adaptability and skill, earning Rookie of the Year honors. In 2023, riding for Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team, he secured his first Grand Prix victory in Argentina and finished third overall in the championship standings.

His move to Aprilia Racing for the 2024 season was a highly anticipated development, and his performance in Valencia suggests a promising future with the Italian manufacturer.

Aprilia Racing’s Growing Presence in MotoGP

Aprilia’s involvement in MotoGP dates back to 2002, with varying degrees of success. In recent years, the manufacturer has invested heavily in its MotoGP program, resulting in significant improvements in bike performance and overall competitiveness.

The 2024 season has seen Aprilia consistently challenging for podiums and race wins, with riders like Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales contributing to the team’s success. The addition of Marco Bezzecchi has further strengthened Aprilia’s lineup, and the team is poised to be a major contender in the coming seasons.

CEO Massimo Rivola: A Key Figure in Aprilia’s Resurgence

Massimo Rivola’s appointment as CEO of Aprilia Racing in 2019 has been instrumental in the team’s resurgence. Rivola, who previously held key positions in Formula 1 with Ferrari and Toro Rosso, has brought a wealth of experience and strategic vision to Aprilia’s MotoGP program.

Under Rivola’s leadership, Aprilia has focused on improving its technical infrastructure, rider development program, and overall team management. His willingness to engage in playful wagers with his riders, as demonstrated by the bet with Bezzecchi, reflects a team culture that values both competition and camaraderie.

The Broader Context: MotoGP’s End-of-Season Celebrations

Marco Bezzecchi’s "marriage proposal" is the latest in a long line of memorable end-of-season celebrations in MotoGP. The sport’s rich history is filled with examples of riders expressing their joy and gratitude in creative and often unconventional ways.

Valentino Rossi, in particular, is renowned for his elaborate celebrations, which have included everything from carrying inflatable chickens to staging mock traffic stops. These displays have become an integral part of MotoGP’s appeal, adding a touch of showmanship and personality to the sport.

Looking Ahead: Bezzecchi’s Plans for His Prize Bike

With the Valencia Grand Prix victory and the bike now officially his, Marco Bezzecchi faces the logistical challenge of transporting his prize possession back to his home in Rimini, Italy. While the exact details of the transfer remain to be seen, it is certain that the Aprilia RS-GP will occupy a prominent position in Bezzecchi’s living room, serving as a constant reminder of his successful season and his triumphant bet with Massimo Rivola.

Beyond the immediate celebrations, Bezzecchi’s focus will soon shift to preparing for the 2025 MotoGP season. With a factory-spec Aprilia at his disposal and a renewed sense of confidence, he is expected to be a serious contender for race wins and championship honors.

The Valencia Grand Prix provided a fitting conclusion to the 2024 MotoGP season, with Marco Bezzecchi’s victory, playful celebration, and revelation of his bet with Massimo Rivola encapsulating the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and showmanship that defines the sport.

Upcoming Events and Fixtures

While the 2024 MotoGP season has concluded, the teams and riders will soon be back on track for pre-season testing in preparation for the 2025 campaign. The official testing schedule will be released in the coming weeks, and fans can expect to see the new bikes and rider lineups unveiled in the new year.

The 2025 MotoGP season is scheduled to commence in March, with the traditional opening race in Qatar. The full calendar will be announced in due course, and fans can look forward to another year of thrilling races, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments.