April 2023 MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi will go on a week‑long holiday, the Aprilia Racing chief executive Massimo Rivola confirmed after a string of frustrated weekends, including a dramatic crash at Assen that saw the championship lead slip from his contract.
Championship slip‑down and August break
Bezzecchi’s campaign has been marred by prompt eliminations: the Czech and Dutch Grands Prix yielded zero points, and an incident at Brno quickly escalated when the Italian struck a marshal in the sprint, earning a one‑day ban for the following race.
Assen compounded his woes when, on the opening lap, he lost positions chasing dropped traffic and ultimately crashed, throwing a score away just weeks before the mid‑season break. Rivola hinted that the rider’s recent incidents were a product of accumulated pressure, advocating a pause to “reset” his focus.
Hungary, Martin, and the Aggressive Polish Sprint
The Hungarian GP proved equally brutal. A start‑line collision with team‑mate Jorge Martin forced Bezzecchi out, rendering the event a nightmare for the Italian and bolstering Martin’s lead over the title race. Rivola praised Martin’s maturity at Balaton Park, where the latter earned three rookie pole positions but ultimately finished third, aligning with “a champion’s attitude” beyond reckless risks.
Road Ahead for Bezzecchi and Aprilia
With Martin now seven points clear and di Giannantonio nine further behind the Ducati duo, Bezzecchi’s absence from Sunday races still earns him a thrashing from Rivola, yet the baseline assessment remains – “He needs a break. He’s been through a lot.” The Italian is expected back in time for the next race, though the interim may influence his return to track sharpness.
Shortly after the Assen debut, Rivolo quipped that it is crucial Bezzecchi remains “willing to go” and that a week’s respite could either rejuvenate his campaign or disrupt momentum showcased before the holidays. Future weekends will dictate whether Aprilia recovers the early advantage lost in recent sessions.
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