Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi has earned high praise from a former Aprilia engineer who worked closely with Valentino Rossi in his early years.
Bezzecchi is in the form of his life right now, coming off yet another strong performance in a season chock-full of them.
Bezzecchi won the United States Grand Prix in stellar fashion, securing his third win of the season along with a much-needed one-two finish for Aprilia.
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While Aprilia were once ashamed ahead of race weekends, they now find themselves anticipating another excellent performance from Marco Bezzecchi.
And in the long history of Aprilia, Bezzecchi has done a strong job carrying forward the legacy of some legendary riders, and has now earned comparisons to one of the greatest riders ever.
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Former Aprilia engineer claims Marco Bezzecchi is more similar to Valentino Rossi, not Max Biaggi
In an interview with Moto.it, former Aprilia engineer Giulio Bernardelle was asked about Marco Bezzecchi and which legendary Aprilia rider he is most similar to.
Having to choose between Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi as his frame of reference, Bernardelle compared Bezzecchi to Rossi.
“No, they are very different. Both in terms of riding and in terms of character. I know Marco Bezzecchi very little.
“But from what I’ve seen of him on the track, during interviews, I see him much more similar to Valentino Rossi than to Biaggi.”
While a comparison to Rossi is highly flattering, Bernardelle isn’t so impressed with Bezzecchi’s current form to name him among the greatest Aprilia riders of all time.
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Giulio Bernardelle snubs Marco Bezzecchi when naming most important riders in Aprilia history
Speaking further in the interview, Bernardelle was asked to name the greatest and most influential riders in Aprilia history. Bezzecchi didn’t make his list, as he named Alessandro Gramigni, Max Biaggi, and Valentino Rossi.
“The riders of the 90s, in my opinion, are all important, because they are all riders who have created, with the results, the pride that we feel.
“From Alessandro Gramigni, who won the first title, to move on to Biaggi, who was the one who started consecutive victories.
“Then, Valentino Rossi, who was certainly the most imaginative champion, right? It was an honour, in my opinion, for Aprilia to have started the career of a rider who will remain in the history books.
“These are pilots who have truly done something absolutely important, and who have had more influence than other riders.”
There’s no denying the influence the aforementioned riders have had on Aprilia. But Bezzecchi could make his way to the list if he manages to win the world championship this season.
Bezzecchi also has the backing of Rossi in the title race, showing him support against Marc Marquez, who currently leads the championship.
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