Bezzecchi seals Aprilia 'marriage' with race-winning bet revelation after Valencia triumph

Marco Bezzecchi, the Italian MotoGP rider, celebrated his victory at the Valencia Grand Prix with a theatrical flourish, mimicking a marriage proposal to the Aprilia RS-GP bike that carried him to the top step of the podium. The gesture, reminiscent of the celebratory antics of his compatriot and mentor Valentino Rossi, was revealed to be the culmination of a season-long wager with Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.

The victory at Valencia marked Bezzecchi’s third Grand Prix win of the season, triggering the terms of the bet which stipulated that he would win the bike outright if he achieved the three-win milestone. "I won this bike in a bet with Massimo," Bezzecchi explained to the media post-race. "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’."

The 27-year-old rider, known for his playful personality, added a touch of humor to the situation, stating, "You know, it’s super trendy to get married now and I wanted to be a little bit more trendy. Normally, I don’t follow these kinds of things so much… but I love my bike, it was super cool."

Bezzecchi’s victory in Valencia capped off a strong season for the VR46 Racing Team rider. His previous wins include the Argentina Grand Prix in Termas de Río Hondo and the French Grand Prix at Le Mans. He also secured a sprint race victory at the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano, where he celebrated with a film-inspired wooden leg prop.

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The wager with Rivola served as a significant motivational tool throughout the season. Bezzecchi revealed that he had kept a space clear in his living room as a constant reminder of his goal. "In my living room, I have a huge space that I’ve kept empty [for the bike] all season," he said. "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."

The victory at Valencia was particularly significant for Bezzecchi, as it came after a challenging period in the latter half of the season. While he remained a consistent points scorer, he had experienced a dip in form compared to his earlier successes. The win provided a timely boost for both the rider and the VR46 Racing Team as they prepared for the post-season tests and the upcoming 2025 season.

The VR46 Racing Team, owned by Valentino Rossi, has been a consistent presence in the MotoGP paddock since its debut. The team has established itself as a breeding ground for young talent, with riders like Bezzecchi and Luca Marini, Rossi’s half-brother, rising through the ranks. While Marini will be leaving the VR46 team to join Repsol Honda, Bezzechi will remain with VR46, but riding a Ducati next season.

Aprilia Racing, the manufacturer of the RS-GP bike, has been making steady progress in recent years. The Italian factory has invested heavily in its MotoGP program, and the results are beginning to show. In the Valencia Grand Prix, Aprilia secured a 1-2 finish, with Bezzecchi leading Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez across the finish line.

The unique celebration in Valencia drew comparisons to Valentino Rossi’s often-theatrical victory celebrations. Rossi, a nine-time world champion, was known for his creative and memorable post-race antics, often involving elaborate costumes, props, and choreographed routines. Bezzecchi, a product of the VR46 Riders Academy, has clearly been influenced by Rossi’s approach to racing and entertainment.

The Valencia Grand Prix marked the end of the 2024 MotoGP season. Francesco Bagnaia secured his second consecutive World Championship title, while Jorge Martin finished as runner-up. The season was marked by intense competition, dramatic races, and several notable rider moves and team changes.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, several key changes are set to impact the MotoGP landscape. Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP world champion, will be joining the Gresini Racing team, riding a Ducati. This move has generated significant excitement, as Marquez will be on a competitive bike for the first time in several years.

Johann Zarco will be joining the LCR Honda team, while Alex Rins will be joining the factory Yamaha team. These rider changes are expected to shake up the competitive order and create new rivalries on the track.

The technical regulations for the 2025 season are expected to remain largely unchanged, but manufacturers are continuing to develop and refine their machines. Aerodynamic improvements, engine upgrades, and chassis modifications are all expected to play a role in determining the performance of the bikes.

The MotoGP calendar for the 2025 season is expected to be similar to the 2024 season, with races held at circuits around the world. The season will likely kick off in Qatar, followed by races in Argentina, the United States, and Europe. New circuits are also being considered for future seasons, as MotoGP continues to expand its global reach.

The victory for Bezzecchi will see him take home the title-winning Aprilia bike to add to his garage and be a constant reminder of his efforts throughout the season, and act as a good luck charm for the 2025 season where he will be riding a Ducati.