Marco Bezzecchi: “We’re all huge fans of Antonelli”

Marco Bezzecchi has a special reason to be at Monza this weekend. The VR46 rider is in the paddock to support fellow Motor Valley native Kimi Antonelli, who is preparing for his home Formula 1 Grand Prix as championship leader.

With Valentino Rossi also expected in the paddock, there is plenty of Italian motorsport royalty around — but Bezzecchi is enjoying a new experience himself, getting his first close-up taste of a Formula 1 weekend at the Temple of Speed.

Kimi Antonelli is racing at home as the championship leader. What does it feel like to be here and support him?

“Kimi is a friend. When we’re back home, we see each other quite often. So, of course, I’m here to support him.

“Who am I cheering for? As an Italian, I’d have to say Ferrari and Antonelli! What Kimi is doing is incredible. He’s so young, and to be performing at this level is something really special.”

Is this your first time experiencing a Formula 1 weekend from this close?

“Yes, and it’s really exciting. The atmosphere here at Monza is incredible. You can feel that this is a very special weekend for Italian motorsport. There’s so much passion around the track.”

You and Kimi both come from the Motor Valley. How important has that environment been in shaping you?

“I think it’s a very special area. Motorsport is at the heart of everything there. You have companies like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati, so many racetracks, and so much racing culture.

“But I think the most important thing is the families. There are so many fathers who pass their passion for motorsport on to their children. That culture definitely helps.

“Of course, the people themselves make the difference, but growing up in an environment like that gives you something special.”

Do you see similarities between yourself and Kimi?

“I don’t know! Kimi is an incredible talent. He’s very young and already doing things that are difficult to describe.

“I’m not sure I can find a real similarity between us. The important thing is that he keeps going like this and stays strong.”

Antonelli is also a big Valentino Rossi fan. What did you think of his special Monza helmet inspired by Valentino?

“I had the chance to see it before everyone else, and I really like it. Kimi is a big fan of Vale.

“Over the last few years, he’s often come to see us when we’ve been riding. He supports us, and all of us at VR46 are huge fans of Antonelli too.”

Has Kimi ever been tempted to try riding a MotoGP bike?

“We’ve tried many times! But he can’t — and he doesn’t want to. Above all, he can’t!”

And what about you? Have you ever considered showing Kimi that you can handle a Formula 1 car?

“I’d be much worse than him! I’ve done some track driving, but never a proper full day in a racing car.

“Maybe in the future. For now, though, I’m focused on motorcycles.”

Let’s talk about you. How are you feeling physically at the moment?

“I’m a little better. My shoulder is going well. It’s the knee that’s causing me problems.

“Unfortunately, it’s something that takes a long time, so I’ll have to grit my teeth and keep working.”

You finished third at Aragón after fighting at the front. Looking back, what did you make of that race?

“It was a good race. I was even leading for a few laps, so I was hoping to achieve a really strong result.

“Finishing third and being so close to the two riders ahead was a good result. Obviously, you always want more, but I was happy with the performance.”

Now comes Misano — your home race. How much are you looking forward to it?

“I’m arriving happy. I really can’t wait to get back on the bike.

“It’s our home race, there will be so many of my fans there, and it’s an important weekend both for me and for the team. There’s always something special about racing at Misano.”

The championship is still wide open. How much do you believe you can fight for it?

“I believe. You always have to believe.

“That’s the reason I get up every morning, train hard and go racing. You have to keep pushing, keep working and, when necessary, grit your teeth.

“As long as the championship is open, you have to believe.”