Unexpected Triumph: Marco Bezzecchi’s Stunning Comeback to Front Row in Mandalika MotoGP Qualifying

"What can I say?": Marco Bezzecchi earns a spot in the front row

"I didn't expect to be in the first row."

Marco Bezzecchi found himself on the ground, positioned seventh, with only a few minutes remaining in the MotoGP qualifying session at Mandalika.

However, the VR46 racer, who was only 19th quickest in the last practice session, made a stunning comeback afterward.

Assisted by marshals, Bezzecchi managed to get his GP23 running again just in time for a final quick lap, during which he improved his best time by more than 0.3 seconds, securing second place on the grid behind championship leader Jorge Martin.

Bezzecchi stated that his second run with the second set of tyres was going very well, but he encountered numerous yellow flags.

"Before the final lap, I intended to ease up in the last sector to gather speed for the concluding flying lap. However, I lost focus slightly and ended up crashing."

“Luckily, the bicycle was not damaged, and the marshals assisted me in getting it started.”

"Following the crash, I began my final lap right away. While I was confident in my speed, securing a spot in the first row was beyond my expectations."

"What else can I say? I'm quite pleased."

This afternoon, Bezzecchi will aim for his first Sprint podium of the season in the 13-lap race.

Fellow rider Fabio di Giannantonio was the second-fastest on the GP23, securing eighth place, while Gresini’s Marc Marquez did not record a lap time due to two crashes.

At the same time, Martin secured the leading position with a time advantage of 0.535 seconds.

"I'm thrilled. I felt amazing today. I've been using many worn-out tires, so I was anticipating a significant improvement for qualifying, but perhaps not to this extent!" expressed the Pramac Ducati racer.

"The initial attempt was flawless, which was great because it allowed me to alter my approach."

Martin will begin the Sprint holding a 24-point advantage over current world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who secured a qualifying position just in front of Emilia Romagna victor Bastianini, who placed fourth.

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