BEZZECCHI FIGHTS BACK TO FOURTH AND SAYS THE TITLE RACE IS STILL OPEN

Marco Bezzecchi’s Australian Grand Prix Saturday swung between promise and frustration. The Aprilia rider topped Friday’s time practice and came close to the Phillip Island lap record, then placed fourth in a wet second practice. But qualifying proved more difficult: held up and short of confidence in changing conditions, he could manage only ninth on the grid.

The sprint began worse, with Bezzecchi dropping to 12th on the opening lap. He recovered steadily, setting the race’s third-fastest lap and working his way into contention. He finished fourth, just 1.074 seconds behind winner Marc Marquez, but could not get past fellow Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio for the final podium place.

“I can’t say exactly why I couldn’t set a better time in qualifying,” Bezzecchi said. “When it was completely dry, it was going very well, and the same when it was very wet, but something was missing in between. I can’t change that now.” He was nevertheless pleased with the sprint: “I have to be satisfied with it. It was fun to overtake, make up ground and have the leaders in sight — although winning would have been even more fun.”

Bezzecchi also expressed shock after learning that Aprilia teammate Jorge Martin had been injured. “Shit! That’s very sad and unfortunate for Jorge, who had done a very strong job. It’s also hard for the whole Aprilia project. I hope I see Jorge before he leaves. I’m sending him a hug and hope he gets fit again as soon as possible.”

The sprint reshaped the championship picture in Marquez’s favour. He now leads Martin by 10 points, while Bezzecchi is 50 points behind the Spaniard. The Italian, however, is not giving up: “I say the world championship isn’t over yet. We’ve seen what a crazy season it is.”