Marco Bezzecchi has already been in the fight for the championship lead, but in the last rounds, with some bad luck in the mix, the Mooney VR46 rider was out of contention for the leadership of the world championship.
Arriving in Australia, the #72 expected that the physical limitations would make a dent in his progress from day one, saying that the change from the long race to tomorrow can be a help:
– It wasn’t bad, but I expected a bit better here to be honest. The pain is less, but still hurts from last week and here with the changes of direction, at high speeds, with the heavy bike and my style, part of the body is more tired than I expected, but overall I knew that, so I can’t complain. (…) In terms of physical condition, for me it’s better because I have one less day of riding in my body. For sure it will be difficult for the tyres, but anyway, I prefer to suffer less in the physical aspect.
Bezzecchi was still pleased with his pace, naturally expecting improvements for tomorrow, both in the grip of the track and in his riding and Ducati set-up:
– I’m quite happy with today. It looks like the KTM’s at the moment are a bit stronger, but usually when the grip is low and they have good grip on the exit (of the corner) … Maybe tomorrow the track will improve, and we’ll be able to get closer. Normally it’s like that, but for sure they will also improve, but anyway for me, I have to adjust some things on the bike, but also on the riding. It’s a combination, always. I was quite fast, my pace was good, so I can’t complain.