Marc Sinkewitz
Motorcycle Department
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Massimo Rivola: Marco Bezzecchi wanted to join us and recognized the potential
On Monday at 2 p.m., Aprilia announced in a press release what had been speculated about for days. Marco Bezzecchi will join the factory team from Noale and take the place of Maverick Vinales. Once again, team boss Massimo Rivola beats Italian rival Ducati and snatches a real top talent. He didn’t have to do much convincing.
“The good thing is that he wanted to come to us and ride our bike, even though he already has a very strong package,” Rivola said in an interview with MotoGP.com, referring to his new protégé’s departure from Ducati. “So he recognized the potential of our bike. I’m sure he will perform very well.”
Massimo Rivola: Not ideal to fill both factory bikes
For Bezzecchi, this will be the first team change of his MotoGP career. He has completed all of the previous three seasons under the leadership of Valentino Rossi in the VR46 team. Last year, he also turned down a move to Pramac Racing as part of this collaboration. Now ‘Bezz’ has to adjust not only to a new team, but also to a new manufacturer.
The same applies to Jorge Martin. The world championship leader has also only ridden the Desmosedici from Borgo Panigale so far. Rivola also recognizes the challenges ahead. “Signing two new riders is obviously not ideal. After all, continuity means performance. But when you have two such great talents, you have to be optimistic and know that you have to fight for the world championship.”
“So our goal is very clear – we have two of the best talents of the last few years, so we can’t find any more excuses not to give them the best possible bike. That way we can certainly fight for the title,” says Rivola confidently.
© Motorsport Magazine