Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team ended the first MotoGP season in seventh place. This made the Italians the third-best satellite team. The highlight was Marco Bezzecchi’s first podium finish in Assen and his first pole position in Thailand.
VR46 has established itself in the field and was not a latecomer. The goals for 2023 are higher. With the Ducati Desmosedici GP22 you have the world champion motorcycle of the previous year at your disposal. Bezzecchi and Luca Marini have identical material.
“I’m expecting a lot from the second season,” says team owner Rossi, “because our debut season was already very positive. The whole team worked very well. We were competitive in many races and fought for the top 5 and for the podium. “
“We have two young, strong drivers. I hope that with a year of experience we can be even stronger. We have to try to fight for the podium and for the win.” Podium places and the first victory are the declared goals.
In the drivers’ standings, both drivers were in the middle field last year. Marini was twelfth in the World Championship and Bezzecchi followed as the best rookie in 14th place. Enea Bastianini impressively proved that you can win with last year’s proven bike.
“I expect a lot from Luca,” says Rossi about his half-brother. Marini is one of the most consistent drivers in the field. Last year he had only one technical failure. Twice the 25-year-old narrowly missed the podium in fourth place.
“Last year he improved a lot compared to his first season,” praises Rossi. “He was strong in many races and had the pace to fight at the front. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a podium, which I think he deserved.”
“I also expect a lot from ‘Bez’. He was very strong and fast in his rookie season. He got his first podium in Assen. He also fought in the top 5 a lot. It was a great season for a rookie. I think he can be even stronger this year with more experience.”