Technical Glitch, Not Tires, Blamed for Bezzecchi's Valencia Sprint Setback

Valencia, Spain – Marco Bezzecchi, the Aprilia MotoGP rider, has attributed his disappointing performance in the Valencia Grand Prix sprint race to a malfunctioning ride-height device, rather than his choice of tire compound, following a dramatic slide from pole position.

Bezzecchi, who had secured pole position with a record-breaking lap in qualifying, entered Saturday’s sprint as a strong contender for victory. However, his hopes were quickly derailed on the opening lap, as he plummeted from first to sixth position.

The Italian rider immediately conceded the lead to Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing as they approached Turn 1. Pedro Acosta of KTM then seized second place under braking at Turn 2. Bezzecchi continued to lose ground, overtaken by Raul Fernandez, Fabio di Giannantonio, and Fabio Quartararo into Turn 4, surrendering three positions in a single corner. By the end of the second lap, Bezzecchi was already two seconds behind the leading duo of Marquez and Acosta, who had begun to pull away from the rest of the field.

Despite demonstrating a competitive pace for the remainder of the race, Bezzecchi managed to recover only one position, passing Quartararo to finish in a disappointing fifth place. Initial speculation had centered on his decision to use the soft front tire, a choice made by only six riders, as the cause of his poor start. The majority of the field opted for the harder compound. However, Bezzecchi clarified that the primary issue was a failure of the front ride-height device to disengage until Turn 2.

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“I wasn’t able to unlock the front device, unfortunately,” Bezzecchi explained. “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.”

Raul Fernandez, riding for Trackhouse Aprilia, expressed a different view on the tire choice, describing his own race as a "survival" exercise due to the soft compound. However, Bezzecchi defended his selection. “For me, no [it wasn’t a mistake],” he 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 recent performances have been strong, highlighted by his victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix the previous weekend. With a confirmed third-place finish in the riders’ standings, the 27-year-old remains confident about his prospects for Sunday’s main race, despite the setback in the sprint.

“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 and Context

Marco Bezzecchi entered the Valencia Grand Prix weekend on a high note, having secured his first victory of the 2024 season at the Portuguese Grand Prix. This win marked a significant turnaround after a challenging start to the season, which included a crash in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix, where he finished 14th.

Bezzecchi’s career trajectory has been marked by consistent progress. After winning the 2018 Moto3 championship, he transitioned to Moto2, where he secured several podium finishes before moving to MotoGP in 2022 with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team. In 2023, Bezzecchi achieved his breakthrough season, securing three Grand Prix victories and consistently challenging for podiums, ultimately finishing third in the championship standings behind Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

Ride-Height Devices in MotoGP

Ride-height devices have become increasingly sophisticated in MotoGP, playing a crucial role in optimizing motorcycle performance. These devices lower the rear of the bike during acceleration, reducing wheelies and improving traction, particularly at the start of races and on corner exits. The front ride-height device, specifically, is designed to lower the front suspension, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of wheelies during starts.

The proper functioning of these devices is critical, as any malfunction can significantly impact a rider’s ability to accelerate effectively and maintain control of the motorcycle.

Tyre Choice Strategy

Tyre choice is a pivotal element of MotoGP race strategy, influenced by factors such as track temperature, asphalt conditions, and rider preferences. Michelin, the sole tire supplier for MotoGP, provides a range of compounds, including soft, medium, and hard options for both front and rear tires.

The soft compound offers maximum grip and is typically favored in qualifying sessions and sprint races, where outright speed is paramount. However, the soft tyre’s performance degrades more rapidly over longer distances. The hard compound offers greater durability and stability, making it a preferred choice for longer races and in conditions where track temperatures are high.

Valencia Grand Prix: Track Characteristics

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia is known for its tight and technical layout, featuring a combination of slow corners and fast straights. The track’s configuration places a premium on braking performance and cornering agility, requiring riders to strike a balance between speed and precision. The circuit’s relatively short length and enclosed design create a stadium-like atmosphere, adding to the intensity of the racing.

Rider Standings and Championship Implications

With the 2024 MotoGP season nearing its conclusion, the Valencia Grand Prix holds significant implications for the final championship standings. Francesco Bagnaia currently leads the championship, followed closely by Jorge Martin. Marco Bezzecchi has secured third place in the standings.

Looking Ahead

Marco Bezzecchi will aim to put the sprint race setback behind him and focus on a strong performance in Sunday’s main race. His team will be working diligently to identify and resolve the issue with the ride-height device. His prospects will depend on a clean start, effective tire management, and the ability to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race.

Weekend Results So Far

Qualifying:

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) – New Lap Record
Jorge Martin (Aprilia)
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)

Sprint Race:

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing)
Pedro Acosta (KTM)
Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Racing Team)
Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing)
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)

Rider Quotes

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing, Sprint Winner): "It was a perfect race. I got a good start and was able to manage the tires well. The bike felt great, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow."

Pedro Acosta (KTM, Sprint Second Place): "The start was crucial. I pushed hard and managed to stay close to Alex. Second place is a great result, and we’ll aim for more tomorrow."

Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing, Sprint Fourth Place): "The tire choice was a gamble that didn’t pay off for me. I was just trying to survive out there and bring the bike home. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better."

Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha, Sprint Sixth Place): "We need to improve the bike’s performance. I was struggling with the tires, but we’ll analyze the data and try to make progress for the main race."

Next Steps

Teams will be analyzing data from the qualifying and sprint race to optimize their strategies for the main race. Tire management will be a key factor, as riders will need to carefully balance speed and durability over the longer race distance. The weather forecast for Sunday indicates similar conditions to Saturday, with dry skies and moderate temperatures, which could influence tire choices and race strategies.