Jorge Lorenzo impressed by what he saw from Marco Bezzecchi when they tested together at Misano

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Marco Bezzecchi has earned praise from MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo as he continues to flourish at Aprilia. Bezzecchi will almost certainly finish third in this year’s world championship.

The Italian’s victory in Portugal – his second Grand Prix win of the season and his fifth including Sprints – puts him 35 points clear of Francesco Bagnaia with only 37 on offer. Bezzecchi will match his best-ever premier-class season, having also claimed the bronze-medal position in 2023.

He has stepped up to become Aprilia’s leader, with Jorge Martin out for much of the season due to injury. He’s the main reason they’re on course for the runner-up spot in the constructors’ standings.

Looking to next year, Marc Marquez has predicted that Bezzecchi will fight for the title, along with his brother Alex, Bagnaia and KTM’s Pedro Acosta.

Jorge Lorenzo says Marco Bezzecchi was ‘pushing’ all day in private Misano test

Speaking on the Duralavita YouTube channel, three-time premier-class champion Lorenzo revealed that he shared the track with Bezzecchi at Misano recently.

The 27-year-old ‘came alone with his road bike’ and showcased his impressive work ethic by relentlessly chasing lap times.

Lorenzo feels that Bezzecchi is at one with the Aprilia motorcycle, which has allowed him to capitalise on the Noale outfit’s recent progress. Since the chequered flag in Mugello, he’s scored 229 points, more than every rider except Marquez.

“I shared the Misano circuit with him in a test,” said Lorenzo. “He came alone with his road bike and he spent the whole day, pushing, pushing, pushing.

“He’s a hard worker and very hungry for victory. He’s adapted very well to the bike. You see him very compact, in one piece with the bike. It’s not just Aprilia who did a great job, but also the rider.”

Marco Bezzecchi’s answer about Marc Marquez shows he’s staying humble

Dani Pedrosa has called Bezzecchi the surprise of the season, and considering he finished 12th last season, it’s hard to disagree.

Massimo Rivola felt ‘lucky’ to sign Bezzecchi when his stock was at a low ebb. He remained convinced that La Bestia was ‘special’.

However, Bezzecchi says he’s still not on the level of Marc Marquez, or even his brother Alex. He knows he and Aprilia have everything to prove despite the recent hype.

Marquez and Bezzecchi used to be enemies, but the classy response from both sides after their recent crash in Indonesia – one that ruled the Ducati rider out for the rest of the season – points to a newfound respect in their relationship.