Bezzecchi’s Brilliant Fightback Aprilia’s Sprint Supremacy Continues at Phillip Island

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) delivered another masterclass under pressure at Phillip Island, storming to his second consecutive Tissot Sprint victory after a dramatic late surge past Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team). Despite an eventful start and his upcoming double Long Lap Penalty on Sunday, the #72 proved once again why he’s emerging as a genuine podium favourite heading into the Grand Prix.

A Chaotic Start and Early Drama

As the lights went out, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) launched off the line with the holeshot, only to be overtaken by Fernandez before Turn 2. Bezzecchi followed closely in P2, his Aprilia sporting extra “aero accessories” courtesy of an unexpected seagull encounter on the Warm-Up Lap. Polesitter Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) slipped down to sixth behind Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The chaos claimed its first victim early as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) crashed out on Lap 1.

While Fernandez and Bezzecchi built a comfortable Aprilia 1-2, the battle for third became a fierce five-way scrap. Miller and Marquez traded blows, Acosta attacked with confidence, and Quartararo looked for an opening. A massive moment for Bezzecchi at Turn 10 nearly ended his charge, but he regained composure and kept the pressure on Fernandez.

The Turning Point: Bezzecchi Strikes

By Lap 9, Bezzecchi’s relentless pace saw him reel Fernandez back in, executing a decisive move into Turn 2 on Lap 10. Behind them, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) suffered a crash at Turn 6, though he walked away unharmed.

The Sprint to the Flag

The final laps showcased pure determination from the Aprilia duo. Fernandez defended superbly but couldn’t match Bezzecchi’s pace in the closing stages. Acosta, meanwhile, fended off intense attacks from Miller and Di Giannantonio (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) in a nail-biting fight for the final podium position.

As the chequered flag fell, Bezzecchi sealed victory by over three seconds, securing Aprilia’s first-ever 1-2 finish in a Tissot Sprint. Acosta completed the podium, marking the first Sprint of the season without a Ducati in the top three.

Looking Ahead to Sunday

With just eight points separating Bezzecchi and Bagnaia in the overall standings, Sunday’s Grand Prix promises fireworks. Despite his double Long Lap Penalty, the momentum is firmly with Bezzecchi — and on current form, he might just defy the odds again.