After an exciting race at the Argentina Grand Prix, Marco Bezzecchi felt “at one” with his bike and claimed his first MotoGP victory.
Bezzecchi, who started second, took the lead after the first turn and never looked back, building a sizeable lead over the pursuing pack.
Bezzecchi maintained control throughout, even if the rainy circumstances may have been challenging for some, such as reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, who crashed from second place.
In addition to giving him his maiden victory in the class, Bezzecchi’s victory also propelled him to the top of the rankings when Bagnaia’s crash cost him the opportunity to earn 20 points.
“I didn’t expect this when I left home. As soon as I started riding here I felt very well and I was at one with my bike,” he said.
“I felt incredibly well since the first moment and yesterday was also very nice, so when I saw the rain this morning I was really sad because I said ‘no, I was so good in the dry, for sure it will be difficult in the wet.’
“But when I jumped on the bike in warm-up it was amazing. I started believing again and thought I could do this. I enjoyed riding and was really, really focused. Everything went well. It was a long journey.”
CHE SPETTACOLO BEZ!
— Mooney VR46 Racing Team (@VR46RacingTeam) April 2, 2023
🏆🇦🇷 Grazie @marcobez72
P1 at #ArgentinaGP #vr46 #mooneyvr46racingteam #MB72 #motogp @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/wJdqSHHOyG
Johann Zarco’s late charge through the field saw him finish second, overtaking Alex Marquez on the final lap, and he is hopeful he can follow in Bezzecchi’s footsteps this season with a maiden win.
“A good result like this gives a very good motivation. Congrats to Bezzecchi – I was in fifth position and there were three guys in front of me and I thought if I catch them I will be second, but where is the first one?” He said.
“I even thought that there was maybe a mistake on my pit board. I could see him on the last lap but was four seconds in front and he did an amazing job. Hope my turn will come this year.”