The Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi completed the first day of the Austrian Grand Prix in ninth place. The rider admitted making a mistake regarding tire choice after the red flag, but stated that the overall assessment of the day was positive. Bezzecchi expressed that he secured a favorable position for Saturday, having obtained a direct entry into Q2 during the Pre-Qualifying session.
Strategic Mistakes and Day Assessment
Marco Bezzecchi stated that he made a strategic mistake during the race. The rider, who indicated confusion regarding tire choice after the red flag, said he wanted to try staying on the same tires but made a mistake. He stated that immediately after this error, he made another mistake during a lap, wasting time that could have been used to exit the pit lane more calmly on new tires.
Bezzecchi admitted some confusion regarding overtaking maneuvers. The rider, who stated that he was not perfect in single-lap runs, believed that overtaking maneuvers were slightly more complex compared to the last two days. However, he emphasized that the day was generally a good one.
It was a good day. The time attacks were slightly more complex compared to the last two days. Perhaps the reason is that I mixed up some things a bit too much.
Assessments of Pedro Acosta
Marco Bezzecchi also made comments about Pedro Acosta, the most noticeable rider of the day at the Red Bull Ring. The Aprilia rider stated that Acosta showed a very strong pace from the start of his morning session, and he expected Acosta to be fast on Saturday as well. Bezzecchi expressed his expectation that Acosta would be very fast tomorrow.
He started really strong from the very first moment; it was like that from the morning hours. He also made many fast laps, especially with medium fuel in the afternoon. I hope he can improve and catch up to him, but right now he is definitely the fastest rider. I expect Pedro to be very fast tomorrow. Because if you start well, you can go one step further. We, however, need to take two steps to catch up to him.
Importance of the Day and Physical Condition
Bezzecchi said that the first day in Austria was not yet decisive. He stated that the Sunday was not a critical day for regaining consistency after missing points in previous races. The Italian rider emphasized the importance of performing at maximum level every day.
However, it is a very important day because we need to work in the best possible way every day to get back where we want to go. There is nothing very normal or extraordinary now. But tomorrow and Sunday are more important days. So, we shall see.
After suffering a serious accident in Misano, Marco Bezzecchi arrived in Austria and provided information about his physical condition. The rider stated that he still has a pain in his knee that challenges him, but his overall condition is better.
I am a bit better. My knee still challenges me, but it is undeniable that I am better.
Marco Bezzecchi completed the first day at the Red Bull Ring by finishing directly in Q2. The Aprilia rider will try to reduce the gap with rivals in the front group, including Acosta, during the qualifying sessions and the Sprint race on Saturday.
Statistics
- Marco Bezzecchi is competing in second place with 25 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Aprilia Racing Team).
- Archive: Bezzecchi faces risk of losing points in third place (September 13, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
