Valentino Rossi's former telemetrist has been Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief during his time in MotoGP.
Across the last three years, Matteo Flamigni has been Marco Bezzecchi's crew chief in MotoGP. The Italians became partners in the VR46 Racing Team in Bezzecchi's rookie year in the premier class.
Flamigni had been the telemetrist for Valentino Rossi throughout the majority of his MotoGP career. When he switched to Bezzecchi's garage in 2022 he also had his rookie year as a crew chief.
During their time together Flamigni has been trying to teach Bezzecchi everything he had 'learned from Valentino [Rossi]'.
"When Marco came to MotoGP, both he and I were rookies,” Flamigni told Motosan. “He was coming to a new category, and I went from being a telemetry to a technical manager.
“It was a bit of an unusual situation and that's why we created this collaboration to help each other, to try to perform well...
“Showing that my move to technical head was successful, as was his move from Moto2 to MotoGP. We both had very high goals, so a nice relationship of mutual respect was created. He trusted me a lot from the first moment and I tried to transmit everything I knew, everything I had learned from Valentino...
“A very special feeling. I am sure that friendship will endure. Yes, it's a painful farewell, but for both of us there are many challenges ahead: he will be on the factory Aprilia, a great opportunity to grow, and I'm happy for him."
Flamigni will not work with Bezzecchi in 2025 after he decided to move to Aprilia Racing in 2025. However, Flamigni stated that Bezzecchi is completing a 'lifelong dream' of becoming a factory rider.
"For any rider, signing for a manufacturer as an official rider is a lifelong dream, they have had it since they were little,” Flamigni said.
“In this case, Aprilia has come forward and I think Marco has made the necessary considerations, choosing to take this path.
“It's a bit like the goal of the VR46 Academy, to get its riders into official teams: Marini at Honda, Bezzecchi at Aprilia, Bagnaia at Ducati, Morbidelli first at factory Yamaha and then at Pramac but with a factory Ducati. If our riders are chosen it means that we are working well."
