Marco Bezzecchi revealed following his runners-up finish in the Dutch TT that he was struggling with a “strange” vibration that left him in survival mode in the latter stages.
The VR46 Ducati pilot was forced to recover positions throughout the 26-lap encounter having slipped behind KTM’s Brad Binder and Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia off the start from pole, the Italian finally moving clear of the South African just past mid-distance.
He tried his best to replicate his performance in Saturday’s sprint race and chase down Bagnaia for supremacy, though he ultimately came up 1.2 seconds short in the end as he failed to enjoy the same pace advantage over his title rival compared to the rest of the event.
Part of the reason for his lack of race winning speed according to Bezzecchi was down to him taking the safer option to choose the medium rear compound tyre compared to the soft he used in the sprint – mainly down to the significantly higher temperatures seen on Sunday as well as the grand prix being double the length – the Italian conceding Bagnaia was “stronger” with this tyre.
“I’m very happy with the weekend as we worked very well, I think we deserve this result because I really gave my all and my team worked in the best way to achieve it,” explained Bezzecchi.
“I led every session, got pole position and the sprint win and then also a podium today, so I couldn’t be any happier than this.
“Pecco (Bagnaia) was a bit stronger than me with the medium (compound tyre), I knew already yesterday that I could race with the soft but honestly it was too big a risk and I didn’t want to throw everything in the bin because this weekend we were having a great time so I chose the medium as well.
“I knew I could suffer a bit more, but the problem was to pass Brad (Binder) I had to suffer a lot with the front pressure and temperature so I lost a bit of time and then I would gain again, then losing again making some mistakes as I nearly lost the front.
The two-time premier class race winner also revealed that a mystery problem that was causing severe rear vibrations on the rear of his Desmosedici began to afflict him soon after he dispatched Binder for second, Bezzecchi admitting he was “scared” that the issue could have cost him a hard-earned podium result.
“I was able to prepare the overtake (on Binder) and pass him and as soon as I did I could break away a bit, but then I had a problem with the bike and I had so many vibrations in the rear,” continued Bezzecchi.
“It was strange and I didn’t expect it, so I tried to change things with the mapping and pushing every button that I had but nothing was improving, but fortunately I survived because I was scared I would lose the podium.
“We need to find another step (after summer break) but I’m very motivated, and I can’t wait already to get back on the bike and ride.”
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