alina maya
Valencia, Spain – Marco Bezzecchi, the Aprilia MotoGP rider, has pointed to a malfunctioning ride-height device as the primary reason for his disappointing performance in the Valencia Grand Prix sprint race, despite securing pole position in the qualifying session. The Italian rider also defended his choice of the soft front tire, despite a significant number of riders opting for the harder compound.
Bezzecchi, who had been considered a strong contender for victory following his record-breaking qualifying lap, experienced a dramatic drop in the opening lap of the sprint race. Starting from pole, he was quickly overtaken by Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing, who went on to win the sprint, and Pedro Acosta of KTM, relegating Bezzecchi to third place. Further into Turn 4, Bezzecchi lost additional positions to Raul Fernandez, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Fabio Quartararo, dropping to sixth.
By the end of the second lap, Bezzecchi found himself trailing the leaders by two seconds as Marquez and Acosta began to establish a significant lead. Despite demonstrating a competitive pace in the latter stages of the race, Bezzecchi managed to recover only one position, passing Quartararo, to finish in fifth place.
Initially, speculation arose that Bezzecchi’s decision to use the soft front tire, in contrast to the hard tire favored by most of the grid, had contributed to his poor start. However, Bezzecchi clarified that the primary issue was a failure of the ride-height device to disengage properly until Turn 2.
Related News :
- Marini’s Quest for Cleanliness Ends in Sepang Sprint Crash, Espargaro Weighs In
- Bagnaia Vows to Rebound After Disappointing MotoGP Campaign
- Honda’s Hopes for MotoGP Concessions Hang by a Thread After Mir-Marini Collision
- KTM’s Tire Management Triumphs Over Aprilia’s Setback at Sepang MotoGP
- Fabiano Sterlacchini Hailed as Architect of Aprilia’s MotoGP Resurgence
"I wasn’t able to unlock the front device, unfortunately," Bezzecchi stated. "I unlocked it in Turn 2. After, unfortunately, between Turn 1 and Turn 2, and also in the exit of [Turn] 2, I couldn’t really accelerate how I wanted, so this is why I lost many places."
The ride-height device, a common feature on modern MotoGP bikes, is designed to lower the front or rear of the motorcycle at the start of the race, improving acceleration and preventing wheelies. A failure to disengage the device can severely hamper a rider’s launch and early acceleration.
Of the riders on the grid, only six, including Bezzecchi, opted for the Michelin soft front tire, with three coming from Aprilia’s racing stable. While Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, another rider who chose the soft compound, described his race as a "survival" situation, indicating he felt the tire choice was a mistake, Bezzecchi maintained his confidence in his decision.
"For me, no [it wasn’t a mistake]," Bezzecchi asserted. "Of course, having this problem in the start [made things] a bit worse, because you cannot expect to stay behind more and more bikes and have the soft front that works perfectly. Without this problem, it could be better. I will never know. But if I have to start again, I will again put the soft front."
Bezzecchi’s strong form in the latter part of the season, highlighted by his recent victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix, has solidified his position as a top contender in the championship. The 27-year-old rider has already secured third place in the riders’ standings. Despite the setback in the sprint race, Bezzecchi expressed confidence in his chances for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
"With the pole position, finishing the sprint like this doesn’t really make me feel super happy," he admitted. "But the pace is there and the confidence is there. So let’s try to understand what happened now in the start, let’s try to analyse everything and be more ready for tomorrow."
Background: Marco Bezzecchi’s Career and Recent Performance
Marco Bezzecchi, born on November 12, 1998, began his Grand Prix career in the Moto3 class in 2015. He achieved his first podium in 2018 and transitioned to the Moto2 class in 2019, securing several podiums and victories. In 2022, Bezzecchi joined the MotoGP ranks with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team, riding a Ducati.
In the 2023 season, Bezzecchi achieved significant success, including multiple victories and podium finishes, establishing himself as a frontrunner. His performances earned him a factory-supported ride with Aprilia for the 2024 season.
His recent victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix showcased his ability to manage tire wear and maintain a consistent pace throughout the race. This win boosted his confidence and further cemented his position as a championship contender.
The Valencia Grand Prix: Key Competitors and Strategies
The Valencia Grand Prix is the final race of the MotoGP season, taking place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. The track is known for its tight and twisty layout, which favors riders with strong braking and cornering skills.
Alex Marquez, the sprint race winner, has shown consistent pace throughout the weekend and is considered a strong contender for the main race. His Gresini Racing team has a proven track record at Valencia, and Marquez’s aggressive riding style suits the track’s characteristics.
Pedro Acosta, the rising star of KTM, has also demonstrated impressive speed in Valencia. His ability to adapt quickly to the MotoGP class has made him a formidable competitor.
Other key contenders include reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who will be looking to end the season on a high note, and Fabio Quartararo, who has struggled with the Yamaha this season but has a history of strong performances at Valencia.
The tire strategy for the main race will be crucial, with most riders expected to opt for the medium or hard front tire to ensure stability and longevity. However, the soft tire could be a viable option for riders willing to take a gamble on an aggressive early pace.
The Importance of the Ride-Height Device
The ride-height device, also known as a holeshot device, has become an increasingly important component of MotoGP bikes in recent years. The device allows riders to lower the front or rear of the motorcycle at the start of the race, improving acceleration and preventing wheelies.
The device is typically activated by a button on the handlebars and disengages automatically when the rider brakes for the first corner. A malfunctioning ride-height device can severely compromise a rider’s start, as it affects their ability to accelerate effectively and maintain control of the bike.
The incident with Bezzecchi highlights the potential for mechanical issues to significantly impact race results, even for top-level riders.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Grand Prix
Despite the setback in the sprint race, Marco Bezzecchi remains optimistic about his chances in Sunday’s Grand Prix. His pole position in qualifying demonstrates his raw speed and ability to extract the maximum performance from his Aprilia.
Bezzecchi and his team will be working to resolve the issue with the ride-height device to ensure a clean start in the main race. If he can avoid a repeat of Saturday’s problems, Bezzecchi is confident that he can challenge for the victory.
The Valencia Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the MotoGP season, with several riders vying for the win. The race will also be significant for several riders who are moving to new teams next year, including Marc Marquez, who will be joining Gresini Racing, and Johann Zarco, who will be joining LCR Honda.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
Moto GPNovember 22, 2025Bezzecchi Attributes Valencia Sprint Setback to Ride-Height Device Malfunction, Stands by Tire Selection
Moto GPNovember 22, 2025Alex Marquez Secures Decisive Sprint Victory at Valencia, Acosta and Di Giannantonio Round Out Podium
Moto GPNovember 22, 2025Valentino Rossi Eyes Future Hypercar Drive Despite Setbacks in Securing a WEC Seat
Moto GPNovember 22, 2025High-End Bicycle Worth €20,000 Pilfered from MotoGP Star Jorge Martin
Ali Akbar Rosady
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin