Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) is confirmed to be the Rookie of the Year or the best debutant of the 2022 MotoGP. This certainty cannot be separated from Bezzecchi’s success in finishing fourth in the Australian MotoGP 2022, Sunday (16/10/2022).
Starting the race from 9th, Bezzecchi continued to improve his position until finally entering the top three on lap 19. Valentino Rossi’s student finished third right after overtaking Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing). Right on the 20th lap, Bezzecchi rose to number two after successfully blotting Alex Rins (Suzuki Ecstar).
Bezzecchi was at the forefront with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) leading the way. The competition between the two Valentino Rossi students was fierce for three rounds until the 23rd lap. However, Bezzecchi made a mistake and went wide until he had to drop to fourth on lap 24.
After that, Bezzecchi was no longer able to catch up to the three riders in front of him so he had to settle for finishing fourth in the Australian MotoGP in 2022. The Australian MotoGP podium in 2022 was occupied by Alex Rins (1), Marquez (2), and Bagnaia respectively.
An additional 13 points from the Phillip Island Circuit actually does not change Bezzecchi’s position in the 2022 MotoGP standings. The Italian rider remains in 14th place in the MotoGP standings with a collection of 93 points from 18 races. However, the additional 13 points made Bezzecchi confirmed to be the Rookie of the Year or the best debutant rider for MotoGP 2022.
The reason is Bezzecchi’s points acquisition is no longer possible to be overtaken by four other rookies even though MotoGP 2022 still has two races left. The other four 2022 MotoGP rookies are Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM), Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing), Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF).
When compared, Bezzecchi is indeed more consistent than the four names above. Bezzecchi is so far the only 2022 MotoGP rookie to have made it to the podium. That moment happened at the 2021 Dutch MotoGP. At that time Bezzecchi managed to get 20 points from the Assen Circuit after finishing second.
Furthermore, Bezzecchi and all other riders are scheduled to take part in the 2022 Malaysian MotoGP next week. The Malaysian MotoGP 2022 series will be held at the Sepang Circuit on 21-23 October 2022.
