Marco Bezzecchi says he has now made a decision on his future amid fevered speculation over whether he will stay with the VR46 Racing team or accept the offer of a move to the sister Pramac Racing team for the 2024 MotoGP season.

The Italian - currently in his second season of MotoGP with Valentino Rossi’s satellite Ducati team -  has emerged as the breakout star of the premier class in 2023, scoring three victories [2 Main, 1 Sprint] to currently hold third in the overall standings.

It means his stock within the Ducati stable has rocketed in recent months, leading to a campaign by team management to assure Bezzecchi of 2024-spec machinery next season by shuffling him into the Pramac Racing squad.

However, despite the carrot of on-spec machinery next season, Bezzecchi has been openly reluctant about departing a VR46 Racing operation that is increasingly being built around him.

Indeed, paddock gossip in Austria suggests Bezzecchi will sacrifice the option to race the Ducati GP24 next season in favour of staying with VR46 Racing, on the advice of VR46 Racing Academy mentor Rossi. Either way, Bezzecchi says his decision has now been made and will be communicated soon.

“Vale is pushing a lot to be honest and I really appreciate this. To be pushed but the “GOAT” is something no-one in the world can say this. 

“I made already my decision, I cannot tell you what I will do. Soon I will communicate it but it was fantastic to have this celebration [post-race] with Pecco and the VR46 riders.”

Bezzecchi’s words come just as Pramac Racing confirmed it will indeed have a vacancy in its team for next season after agreeing to part ways with Johann Zarco,.

While the Frenchman’s was in part motivated by Ducati’s eagerness to lure Bezzecchi to Pramac, should the Italian indeed remain with VR46 Racing, it will unexpectedly leave a prized seat available.

With most high-profile riders either having confirmed or strongly assumed plans in place for 2024, there is no clear favourite to assume one of the most coveted seats on the grid. As of now, Franco Morbidelli stands out as a target, as does Moto2 front runners Tony Arbolino and Jake Dixon.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez might also see this as an excellent opportunity to duck out of his Honda deal following a season beset by inconsistent form, on-track incidents and injuries.