Marini 'one of my favourites', Bezzecchi 'waiting for this day since Valencia'
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Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix will be the first premier-class season-opener without Valentino Rossi since 1999.But as one chapter closes another begins, with Rossi’s VR46 Ducati team making its official MotoGP debut as a full two-rider project after overseeing Luca Marini at Avintia last season.Marini failed to score in either Qatar rounds as a rookie on 2019-spec Desmosedici last year, but returns with much higher expectations after VR46 secured the very latest GP22s for his second season.The Italian took his new machinery to the top of the timesheets on day two of the final pre-season test in Indonesia and, while there is still some tuning needed to get the most out of the new engine, testing indicated Ducati riders will again enjoy peerless straight-line speed.Related ‘Something I couldn’t have imagined’ – Marc Marquez starts tenth year in Moto Dovizioso, Binder ‘excited’ ahead of RNF debut in Qatar”This race always has a special atmosphere: the first GP, the unique setting of the desert and a really beautiful track, one of my favourites on the calendar,” Marini said.”This year will be different because I will be riding the Ducati of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team which will make its debut in MotoGP. The atmosphere in the team is excellent, the air is positive. We just have to keep working and doing our best starting from this Sunday.”Related Brembo’s MotoGP brakes: 12 different discs, ‘customised’ systems for 2022 Fernandez ‘dreamt about this day’, Gardner ‘top rookie reasonable target’_A1X7857.jpg While Marini concluded testing in the top three, team-mate Marco Bezzecchi was the fastest rookie in 20th, lapping within 0.830s of the top on the year-old GP21.”The long wait is over: I’ve been waiting for this day since the last race in Valencia and can’t wait to get out on track,” Bezzecchi said. “The first MotoGP race will be special, something I will always remember. Racing with the strongest riders in the highest category of our sport is a dream for every rider.”We arrive here after a good pre-season, I worked well with the team and with Ducati, but the first GP will be another story. There will be the new bike with the colours of the VR46 and Mooney. I want to do well and enjoy the moment.”Team manager Pablo Nieto added: “Luca and Marco arrive here motivated to do their best, they have different goals, different experiences. The Doha race means the start of a new season, always has a special charm, and for us, as a team making its debut in the top class, it will have an even more important meaning”.”4
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