Marco Bezzecchi initially burst onto the MotoGP scene in 2022 as part of the team owned by racing legend Valentino Rossi. That rookie season saw him clinch a podium finish in the Dutch Grand Prix.
Holding his position within the team for the current racing year, Bezzecchi hasn’t just been making up the numbers. He’s stormed to two grand prix wins and sits comfortably in third place in the overall standings, all while riding last year’s model of the bike.
Speculation was rife in the 2024 rider market’s ‘silly season,’ with Bezzecchi’s name frequently appearing alongside Pramac. Ducati, for their part, clarified that if Bezzecchi wanted to ride a factory-level bike next year, his only ticket in would be to replace Johann Zarco at Pramac, who’s off to LCR Honda with a two-year contract in hand.
Yet, for Bezzecchi, the heart wants what it wants—and it wanted VR46. Rossi himself seemed to be in the young Italian’s corner, advocating for him to stick with the team. Following his third-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, Bezzecchi hinted that he’d finalized his future plans but kept the racing world in suspense.
However, the cat seems to be crawling out of the bag. VR46 dropped a breadcrumb on their social media channels ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix, posting a teaser video of Bezzecchi signing some form of document. The video caption played it coy, saying: “Someone wants to tell you something… soon.”
An official pronouncement confirming Bezzecchi’s decision is anticipated sometime later today.
This development also clears the track for Franco Morbidelli to saddle up with Pramac. Initially, Morbidelli was thought to be eyeing a spot on VR46’s Ducati roster, potentially replacing Bezzecchi. Now, it seems he’ll be trading his Yamaha leathers for a factory-spec Ducati, the same make of bike that propelled Francesco Bagnaia to world champion status for 2024.
As for VR46’s other talent, Luca Marini appears set to continue with the team through 2024 as well.
In another paddock scoop, two-time 250cc world champion Sito Pons is gearing up to join the RNF Racing managerial lineup next year. This comes on the heels of news that Pons is winding down his Moto2 project. An official statement about Pons’ future in the sport is expected over the Catalan GP weekend.
Photo credit: Gold and Goose / F1 Flow Images
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marco Bezzecchi VR46 2024 MotoGP Season
Who is Marco Bezzecchi?
Marco Bezzecchi is an Italian MotoGP rider who made his debut in the sport in 2022. He is part of the VR46 team, which is owned by racing legend Valentino Rossi.
What significant achievement did Bezzecchi have in his rookie year?
In his debut season, Bezzecchi clinched a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
What were the rumors regarding Bezzecchi for the 2024 season?
There was significant speculation that Bezzecchi might move to Pramac Racing, potentially riding a factory-spec Ducati bike for the 2024 season.
What decision has Bezzecchi made regarding the 2024 season?
Marco Bezzecchi has decided to remain with the VR46 team for the 2024 MotoGP season.
Who else was in the running to replace Bezzecchi at VR46?
Franco Morbidelli was initially thought to be eyeing a spot on the VR46 Ducati roster, potentially to replace Bezzecchi.
What does Bezzecchi’s decision mean for Franco Morbidelli?
Bezzecchi’s choice to stick with VR46 opens the door for Franco Morbidelli to join Pramac Racing, where he will likely ride a factory-spec Ducati bike.
Who is Sito Pons and what is his new role?
Sito Pons is a two-time 250cc world champion. He is set to join the managerial structure of RNF Racing for the next racing season.
When will an official announcement be made?
An official announcement confirming Bezzecchi’s decision to stay with VR46, as well as other team news, is expected to be made during the Catalan Grand Prix weekend.
Will Luca Marini continue with VR46?
Yes, Luca Marini, another rider for VR46, is likely to stay with the team through the 2024 season.
What does Bezzecchi riding a ‘year-old bike’ mean?
This refers to Bezzecchi using last year’s model of the bike for the current racing season. Despite not having the latest technology, he has been a consistent frontrunner.
More about Marco Bezzecchi VR46 2024 MotoGP Season
- Bezzecchi’s MotoGP Profile
- Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Team
- Pramac Racing’s Official Site
- MotoGP 2024 Season Predictions
- Franco Morbidelli’s Career Stats
- RNF Racing Team Details
- Sito Pons’ Racing History
- Ducati in MotoGP
- Catalan Grand Prix
- Luca Marini’s MotoGP Profile
10 comments
sitos joining RNF? didn’t see that comin but hey, more power to ’em. should shake things up in the paddock for sure.
Wow, Bezzecchi staying with VR46? thats big news. Dude had a factory-spec option and still went for loyalty. Mad respect!
Valentino Rossi doing his best to keep talent in house. The legend continues to influence the sport. Love it!!
Bezzecchi and Marini in the same team for another year? That’s gonna be awesome, can’t wait to see them tear up the track!
Official annoucement during Catalan GP? Perfect timing, the hype is real people!!
Can’t wait for the official word, but social media teasers have me buzzin. This season is going to be EPIC.
So Morbidelli gets to ride a factory Ducati eh? Guess we know who to watch out for next season. Bagnaia better be ready!
Riding a year-old bike and still crushing it, Bezzecchi is a beast. Shows it’s not just about the tech but the talent too.
I knew it, Bezzecchi is too good for VR46 to let go. Smart move Rossi, smart move.
Morbidelli on a factory-spec Ducati is gonna be a game changer. Watch this space!