The double grand prix winner has been a key piece in the 2024 rider market puzzle, with Bezzecchi linked to the Pramac seat vacated by LCR Honda-bound Johann Zarco.
Ducati made it clear from the start that Bezzecchi’s only chance of riding a factory-spec GP24 next season would be to join Pramac, with VR46 Racing remaining with year-old machinery.
Over the Austrian GP weekend, it emerged that Rossi had been pushing Bezzecchi to stay with VR46, which ultimately came to pass as the Italian penned a one-year extension earlier this week.
Ahead of this weekend’s Catalan GP, Bezzecchi has explained that the decision was not easy but holding onto the “human side” he currently has at VR46 was more important, regardless of the fact he will not have a factory bike in 2024.
“It was not an easy decision because, when you have the possibility to get a factory bike, it’s always very interesting,” Bezzecchi began.
“But, to be honest, from my point of view the human side of the team was very important to me.
“I built up a relationship over many years with these guys that for me is something very, very important to perform in this way.
“I was not sure that I was able to build such a strong relationship with another team in not a lot of time, because now in MotoGP we have to perform very quickly.
“So, for me, it was a bit easier to decide to stay in this team. Also, to see Vale so interested in me, pushing me to stay, for me was very important because in the end Vale is Vale and he has believed in me since many years ago. Without him it was not possible to arrive in the world championship. So, I decided to stay.”
Source: Autosport