Despite a difficult start to the Sprint Race at Phillip Island, Marco Bezzecchi was able to secure victory on Saturday.
The Australian Grand Prix on Sunday looks set to be a difficult race for Marco Bezzecchi, as he has a double long lap penalty to take after his collision with Marc Marquez in Indonesia.
However, the Italian has had a strong start to the weekend and topped the timesheets on Friday; he qualified on the front row on Saturday, before taking victory in the Sprint Race at Phillip Island.
Bezzecchi had a difficult start to the Sprint Race as he hit a seagull on the Warm-Up Lap, and then struggled with his front tyre in the opening laps.
"I am very, very happy, it was a tough beginning because Raul [Fernandez] was incredibly fast," Bezzecchi told TNT Sports after winning the Sprint Race.
"I was struggling with the front tyre at the beginning. I lost the front a couple of times. Also, when I was able to catch Raul, unfortunately, I made a mistake, and I had a wobble under braking at Turn 10. I lost a lot of ground.
"Fortunately, I was managing my tyres well. So, I tried to push again to catch him, and fortunately, I was able to ride pretty fast. I am very happy, very happy, the performance was super good, and I enjoyed it a lot."
'I am struggling... this track is super demanding...'
After his collision at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Bezzecchi has been suffering from back pain since the crash. The Italian rider has been taking painkillers during the Australian Grand Prix and hopes to be recovered in time for the Grand Prix on Sunday.
"I took pain killers for the Sprint Race because I wanted to be able to perform in the best way possible," he explained.
"I am struggling a bit, considering this track is super demanding on the back because of the long corners. It is going a bit worse than I expected, but now I have to make the last effort, physically, I mean, for tomorrow.
"I will try to recover as much as I can this afternoon, and be ready for tomorrow."
'The long lap looks easy, but it is not...'
Despite his double long lap penalty, Bezzecchi could be a podium contender on Sunday after the pace he displayed on Friday and Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix.
"It will be tough," Bezzecchi stated when asked about his double long lap penalty.
"I have tried the long lap many times this weekend, and it looks easy, but it is not. Because it is super tight, and it is in a very tricky place. Corner four is tricky anyway, even when you do not have to do the long lap.
"I will try my best to lose as little time as I can, and try to bring home the best result. I will be happy if I do my best. So, let's try it."
