The 2024 MotoGP season has not been smooth sailing for Marco Bezzecchi. VR46 Team Owner, Valentino Rossi has discussed the 'very difficult psychological situation' his rider is in.

Marco Bezzecchi had the option to move into the Pramac Ducati squad for the 2024 MotoGP season. However, the Italian decided to stay with the VR46 Team in MotoGP on the Ducati GP23, rather than upgrading to a factory spec GP24 in Pramac.

After winning three Grands Prix last year on a GP22 Bezzecchi established himself as a Championship contender. The Italian rider was also a potential option to partner Francesco Bagnaia in the Ducati Factory Team for 2025.

But after opting to stay with VR46 Bezzecchi has not been able to match the results he was getting in 2023. Bezzecchi is currently 11th in the Championship with 73 points and a best result of third at Jerez earlier this season.

At the Austrian Grand Prix VR46 Team Owner, Valentino Rossi spoke about Bezzecchi's 2024 season so far.

"He's in a very difficult psychological situation,” Rossi told Sky Italia. “Last year, the old bike (Desmosedici GP22) was probably even better than the new one (GP23) up to a certain point in the season. So when you had the right weekend you could win.

“This year, he (Bezzecchi) decided to stay with us even though we had the old bike. The '23 edition of the Ducati is a bit complicated, more grumpy. He found himself struggling a lot (in the sprint race) and fighting for eighth place and it's difficult.

“But we want to try to stay close and try to keep him motivated at all times to be able to get a good result before the end."

After being overlooked for the Factory Ducati Team in 2025 Bezzecchi decided to leave Ducati as a whole. The Italian rider will switch to fellow Italian manufacturer, Aprilia. The 25-year-old will ride for the Factory Aprilia Team, alongside Jorge Martin.