Marco Bezzecchi, the Aprilia MotoGP rider, admitted that a critical mistake under pressure from Marc Marquez cost him the win at the San Marino Grand Prix. The error occurred during the intense race at Misano in May 2025, as Bezzecchi struggled with braking on his medium Michelin rear tyre compared to his initial success on the soft compound.
Starting the race strongly, Marquez launched from fourth on the grid to take second place immediately behind Bezzecchi, who successfully defended the lead in the opening stages. For the first ten laps, the two riders battled closely, exchanging fast laps and maintaining a tight formation. However, the championship leader intensified his challenge midway through the race, pushing Bezzecchi to the edge.
The Critical Moment at Turn 8 That Shifted the Race
On lap 12, Bezzecchi made a notable error at Turn 8, running wide from the racing line, which allowed Marquez to overtake him and secure the lead. Despite this setback, the Italian rider remained competitive, fighting back throughout the final laps and even briefly reclaiming the lead with a series of fastest laps. Ultimately, Marquez’s experience and pace prevailed in what became one of the closest and most thrilling races of the season.
Bezzecchi explained his difficulty with braking on the Michelin medium rear tyre, contrasting it with his performance on the soft tyre, which he used to win the sprint race earlier in the weekend. He acknowledged that Marquez was particularly dominant in sectors two and three of the track, a factor that intensified the challenge.
It was difficult for me because since the beginning of the weekend, the difference in the two compounds at the rear was braking,
Bezzecchi said.
With the soft, I was able to stop better, with the medium, I was struggling a bit more.
—Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
He added that from around lap eight or nine, the braking struggle worsened, coinciding with Marquez applying heavy pressure. Bezzecchi admitted that the braking issue caused the costly mistake that handed Marquez the lead.
So I knew I had to defend there but having this issue in braking, I made that small mistake. The bike made a strange movement. I didn’t want to lock the front, so I had to release the front brake and go a little bit wide and because of this Marc passed me.
—Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Marquez’s Strength in Race Conditions and Tyre Management
Although Bezzecchi stayed close to Marquez for the remainder of the race, closing to within three tenths of a second during his late charge, the Ducati rider’s superior tyre management and pace on worn rubber made the difference.
Marc was super fast. I think they still have something more, especially from mid-race to the end, when the tyre goes down, they are able to be smoother and quicker,
Bezzecchi commented.
In free practices, we suffer less but in the race the conditions change and we suffer more.
—Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Marquez’s ability to perform consistently as the tyres wore out was a decisive advantage over Bezzecchi, who acknowledged Ducati’s superior edge in this aspect of the battle.
Bezzecchi’s Growing Record and Reflections on the Race
Despite the loss, Bezzecchi remains the only rider outside Ducati to have won a dry-weather Grand Prix this season, having claimed victory at the British GP earlier in May. He also holds three additional Grand Prix wins from his impressive rookie season with VR46 in 2023, where he established himself as a credible title contender.
Reflecting on the Misano weekend, Bezzecchi described the race as one of the best of his career, emphasizing the level of competition and his strong performance throughout the event.
Besides the victory, this is maybe the best race of my life,
Bezzecchi said.
I was super competitive all weekend, pole position, sprint win, second place but close to Marc, who is at the moment the strongest of the grid.
—Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
I’m happy, I gave my whole. I’m destroyed to give the fans the best show that I could. I want to say thanks to them for the support, they have been amazing for me, and hopefully they enjoyed.
—Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
This battle at Misano not only highlighted Bezzecchi’s rising potential but also showcased Marc Marquez’s enduring status as MotoGP’s benchmark rider, setting the tone for upcoming races in the championship fight.
