Marco Bezzecchi Explains Critical San Marino MotoGP Error

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marco Bezzecchi led the first 11 laps of the MotoGP San Marino 2025 before a braking error at turn eight sent him wide, costing him the lead. The Aprilia Racing rider was unable to regain the advantage from Marc Marquez and finished just half a second behind at Misano Circuit.

Decisive Braking Error on Lap 12

Bezzecchi dominated the early stages, leading ahead of Marquez as he did in the Saturday Sprint. Unlike Marquez's crash the previous day, Bezzecchi's slip came on lap 12. “It was tough in braking, especially because when I tried different compounds – medium and soft – in the rear, the only difference for me was in braking,” Bezzecchi explained in the post-race After the Flag interview on MotoGP.com.

With the soft tire, he gained more feel, similar to last year but with a smaller gap this season. “So, unfortunately, from lap eight or nine, I started struggling in braking, and Marc was close. We were both on the limit, so it was difficult to understand where I could push more or continue like that,” he added. At turn eight, a small mistake led to “a strange movement” from the bike, forcing him to release the front brake to avoid locking, resulting in going wide and allowing Marquez to pass.

Afterward, Bezzecchi tried to stay close for a comeback, but it proved impossible. Despite missing victory, he was content with finishing only 0.5 seconds off the win.

Tire and Track Condition Challenges

The race was demanding due to the unusual track conditions from overnight rain, leaving patchy surfaces in the morning. “It was a tough race but I gave my all – I wanted the victory so bad, to be honest, and I believed a lot,” he said. Opting for the medium rear tire he had tested, Bezzecchi was unsure of expectations but pushed to remain near Marquez for an attack opportunity.

He was pleased to see Marquez pushing hard too, highlighting his competitiveness. “It was a tough race but also really beautiful because seeing that I was on the limit, but also seeing that Marc was pushing a lot and I was able to stay there is always fantastic,” he stated in the post-race press conference. However, he acknowledged Ducati and Marquez's edge, particularly in the race's latter stages when tires degrade. “They are able to be smoother, quicker. In free practice we suffered less, but conditions changed and we suffered more,” he explained.

Satisfaction from Overall Performance

Though short of a win, Bezzecchi was thrilled with his outstanding performance for the fans, factory, team, and VR46 Academy. “I really gave my all for the fans, for the factory, and for my team, the Academy, and everyone. So, really happy,” he emphasized. The Misano weekend, while not matching his Silverstone triumph, ranked among his best in terms of overall performance and atmosphere.

“Winning obviously has a different taste, it’s true, but in terms of overall performance and the mood of the weekend, it was for sure one of the best,” he said. He couldn't call it the absolute best without a victory, but remained positive.

The failure to secure victory at Misano serves as a valuable lesson for Bezzecchi, especially in braking management and tire adaptation. With this experience, he is prepared for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, where reliability in the race's second half will be key. His strong showing at San Marino 2025 underscores his potential as a top MotoGP contender, and with Aprilia's support, opportunities for podiums or wins ahead look promising. Staying close to Marquez provides momentum for continued growth throughout the season.