Marco Bezzecchi’s Stunning Comeback: From Crash to First Row in Mandalika MotoGP Qualifying

"How do I put this?": From a crash to front row positioning for Marco Bezzecchi

"The front row was beyond my expectations."

With only a few minutes left in the MotoGP qualifying round at Mandalika, Marco Bezzecchi found himself in seventh position, sprawled out on the track.

However, the VR46 competitor, who only managed to secure the 19th fastest time during the final practice session, went on to make an impressive

Assisted by marshals, Bezzecchi managed to get his GP23 running in time for one final attempt, where he improved his best time by more than 0.3 seconds, securing the second spot on the starting grid just behind the championship frontrunner, Jorge Martin.

"Bezzecchi described his experience, noting, "During my second attempt with the new tyre, I encountered numerous yellow flags."

"Thus, before embarking on the final lap, my plan was to decelerate slightly in the last sector before accelerating for the final sprint. However, a lapse in focus led to an accident."

"Thankfully, the bicycle was undamaged and the officials assisted me in getting it started."

"I began my final circuit right after the accident. I was aware of my speed potential, yet securing a front-row position hadn't crossed my mind."

"What can I express? I'm truly delighted."

Bezzecchi is set to pursue his initial Sprint podium finish of the year in today’s 13-lap race taking place this afternoon.

Fabio di Giannantonio, his teammate, secured the second-highest position among GP23 competitors, finishing eighth, while Gresini's Marc Marquez did not record a lap time due to two crashes.

In the meantime, Martin managed to secure the pole position by a margin of 0.535 seconds.

"The Pramac Ducati competitor expressed joy, stating, 'I'm thrilled. Today was a fantastic day for me. Having been on several worn tyres, I anticipated a significant improvement for the qualifying round, though perhaps not to such an extent!'"

"The initial attempt was executed flawlessly. This is always a positive outcome as it allows me to alter the strategy."

Martin is set to commence the Sprint holding a 24-point advantage against the current world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, who secured a qualifying position just in front of Emilia Romagna victor Bastianini, taking the fourth spot.

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