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Marco Bezzecchi’s Grand Prix Italy win is ‘what dreams are made of’ for title leader - Neil Hodgson
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Published 31/05/2026 at 15:43 GMT+1
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TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson said that Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi would have been dreaming of his first Grand Prix Italy victory in front of his home fans at Mugello.
Highlights: Bezzecchi claims first Grand Prix Italy victory as Aprilia secure one-two
Video credit: TNT Sports
The rider led home an Aprilia one-two at Mugello on Sunday, with his team-mate Jorge Martin in second place, as the Italian manufacturer dominated the weekend.
Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco Bagnaia claimed third, having at one point been in pole position before dropping down amid fierce competition from the Aprilias.
On Saturday, Bezzecchi was fourth quickest in the Sprint race, which was won by another Aprilia bike, ridden by Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez.
Speaking on TNT Sports immediately after the conclusion of Sunday’s race, Hodgson said that the Italian puts all his focus on practice sessions to ensure he is ready for the longer race, rather than the Sprint.
He explained: ”What have we learned this year? This man, Bezzecchi, works for a Sunday. It's not where he is in his first early practice sessions.
”He stays on medium tyres, does loads of laps, gets loads of data for engineers, and sets that bike for a 25-lap, 23-lap race. That's where the big points are.
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'I started to struggle' - Bagnaia reflects on Grand Prix Italy podium place
Video credit: TNT Sports
”He's suffered in the short races, made a few mistakes this year, but in the main GP races, he is your man.”
For Bezzecchi, the win is not just important for the race for the world title, though he now has a 17-point advantage over Martin. The rider can also celebrate a win in his home country, his first at Grand Prix Italy.
Hodgson explained: ”It is what dreams are made of. This is the one. Every hour you've spent training, every injury, every operation. Every rehab you've gone through is for this moment.
”He'll have dreamed [of this]. He'll have watched his hero, Valentino Rossi win here how many times? Seven in a row. These hills were fluorescent yellow for Valentino. This man will have grown up watching that.
”Rossi is every Italian rider’s hero. He's been his mentor.
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'Bezzecchi hangs on!' - Title leader overtakes Bagnaia at Grand Prix Italy
Video credit: TNT Sports
”So pleased for Bez. The only negative of this victory is you have to race next weekend, so you can't celebrate too much tonight.
”He’s a funny old character. He’s his own man. He’s nothing like Valentino, or Pecco [Bagnaia]. He’s pretty dry. He’s got an edge.”
'I feel unbelievable' - Bezzecchi thrilled with win
Speaking in parc ferme after his victory, Bezzecchi attempted to put his emotions into words.
"I feel unbelievable," he said.
"It's something that I was dreaming since when I was a kid. To achieve this dream is amazing."
- Hodgson: Fernandez ‘started to question his ability' before Sprint win
- Fernandez triumphs at Grand Prix Italy Sprint, Martin takes second in Mugello
- Bezzecchi leads Aprilia one-two at Grand Prix Italy to extend title lead
He added: "Mugello, thank you, thank you. Thank you from my heart. You have been amazing. I gave everything today."
There is only a short break before the action begins again. The MotoGP season moves on to Grand Prix Hungary at Balaton Park next weekend, before another week's break ahead of Grand Prix Czechia.
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