Marco Bezzecchi was left “speechless” as pandemonium unfolded on the COTA MotoGP grid, with numerous riders rushing to the pits for backup bikes just moments before the race was set to start.
Marc Marquez instigated the rush after he decided the track was dry enough for slicks, resulting in confusion as others followed his lead.
However, Bezzecchi, who was starting in 13th place, chose to remain on the grid, uncertain if leaving would lead to a penalty.
“I didn’t know what to do”
“It was bizarre! I genuinely didn’t know how to react because I was on the grid and noticed many riders departing along with their bikes. I was just… speechless!” he expressed.
“I hesitated, fearing that if I turned off my bike or left the grid, I could face a penalty. So, I simply stayed put until I saw the Race Direction officials indicating we could exit the grid.”
“Once I received the go-ahead, I felt more relaxed and switched off my bike before heading back to the box.”
Rivola: “Regulations need to be revised”
The chaotic scene, with bikes, riders, and team members frantically rushing back to the pits, ultimately compelled Race Direction to postpone the race’s start for safety reasons.
It was later revealed that several riders, including Marquez, had misinterpreted the ride-through penalty they would have incurred for leaving the grid—had the race start not been delayed.
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, urged for clearer regulations to avoid such confusion in future events.
“What occurred at the start clearly shows the need to refine the regulations to eliminate confusion at the start of races, as it did neither the show nor the spectators any favors,” he stated.
Bezzecchi fights back for sixth place
Despite dropping to 14th after the restart, Bezzecchi managed to overcome a tough weekend, finishing in sixth place at the chequered flag.
“I’m quite pleased with my performance in this race,” he said. “It was a particularly challenging weekend, and our starting position affected us somewhat. However, the latter half of the race was notably positive.”
“I began to feel better, both physically and with the bike. My overtaking was smooth, and my braking precise, leading to consistent improvement in my pace, which enabled me to gain several positions.”
“I was thrilled to find myself posting great lap times, and it’s unfortunate that the race was shortened by a lap because I believe I could have contested for fifth.”
Rivola praised Bezzecchi’s determination following a challenging weekend, commenting, “Despite the complexities Marco faced, it was impressive to see his speed during the race.”
Savadori takes first MotoGP point since 2023
It was also a noteworthy race for Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori, who earned his first MotoGP point since Assen 2023 by finishing 15th, possibly in his last stand-in role for the injured Jorge Martin.
“I’m happy with the race since we made significant progress,” Savadori remarked. “The weekend was quite tough, with fluctuating conditions, but we displayed good race pace and tested elements that provided a clearer direction moving forward.”
Martin expected to return in Qatar
Rivola is hopeful that reigning world champion Martin, who was present at COTA as a fan, will be fit to make his long-awaited Aprilia race debut in Qatar.
“It was fantastic having Jorge in the garage with us; it brought extra motivation. Fingers crossed he will be fit for Qatar, and we can finally see him on the Aprilia,” he concluded.
COTA marked the one-year anniversary of Aprilia’s last GP victory and Ducati’s most recent defeat, which featured former rider Maverick Vinales.
