Marco Bezzecchi faces high expectations and growing pressure after his strong 2025 season – but the Aprilia rider himself remains calm
Marco Bezzecchi is heading into the 2026 MotoGP season with momentum. The Italian had his strongest season yet in the premier class in 2025, crowning the year with a highly acclaimed double victory and establishing himself as a top performer at Aprilia.
No wonder, then, that he is now considered a contender for the title. With expectations come pressure, but Bezzecchi is taking this scenario in stride. “In our sport, the pressure is always there,” the 27-year-old says candidly.
For him, the situation is much the same whether you’re fighting at the limit or trailing behind. “If you’re slow, you’re under pressure to be sent home. And if you’re fast, you’re under pressure to try to win.” In the end, Bezzecchi says, it’s “always the same.”
Bezzecchi: “Happy to be in this position”
Nevertheless, he is aware that the starting position before 2026 is a special one. Second year with Aprilia, strong results behind him, increased attention from outside.
However, Bezzecchi does not see this as a burden, but rather as confirmation. He feels “happy to be in this position.” After all, that’s exactly what he’s been dreaming of “since I started riding,” the Italian emphasizes.
His environment plays a central role in this. He is surrounded by “nice people in the team,” but also emphasizes the close connection to his private environment: employees of the VR46 Academy, friends, “my friends for life.” All of this helps him stay grounded. “I feel good at the moment,” he says.
Goal: Get off to a better start to the season with Aprilia
At the same time, the Aprilia rider knows that a season never runs smoothly. He is under no illusions that there may also be difficult phases ahead.
“Of course, you never know what’s coming,” explains Bezzecchi. It’s important for him to approach the situation positively and even use the pressure of expectation to his advantage. He fully expects that there will be moments “when we might struggle a bit.” But that’s part of it: “It’s part of the process.” Bezzecchi is deliberately cautious when asked about his role in the 2026 title race. After a strong finish to the 2025 season, it would be natural to start the year with clear championship ambitions. But the Italian is holding back. For him, the focus is initially on something else: a good start to the season.
“The goal for me is basically to get off to a good start,” he says, referring to last year, when that was exactly what was missing. The first half of the season was difficult, with points dropped early on. He hopes for a different outcome in 2026.
Battle for the title? Bezzecchi remains cautious
A competitive start, consistent results, battles for top 5 and top 3 places – that’s the goal. “If it’s possible, it’s even better, of course,” adds Bezzecchi, without committing himself. The key for him is not to rush things. “I don’t want to rush,” emphasizes the Aprilia rider.
Instead, he is focusing on staying calm and focused, starting with the test in Malaysia. There, he wants to “start calmly, stay focused, and finally enjoy the bike again.” Only after the first races, after a few Grand Prix under real conditions, “can we set a clear goal,” says Bezzecchi.