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Andrea Dovizioso's struggles to show a smile in the post-race in Jerez because his arrival in Europe could have been sweeter. The rider from Forlì closed a comeback race in forth place and having missed the podium is certainly one of the negative aspects of the day but, as it often occurs, Dovi's analysis is deeper and more accurate.
"This day is both negative and positive. Negative because we missed the podium," he explained. "And, above all, because I wasn't able to be fast in the fast corners, which only the race can actually reveal. Positive because we were faster than last year and the gap narrowed. However, the number of opponents has increased, given that Rins is now a contender for the title and the Yamahas are fast despite the difficulties. Vinales did his best lap time on the last lap. I took risks for the podium, but it didn't happen."
All while Marquez raced towards success. Dovi is aware of Marc's potential and obviously of his own.
"Marc's victory is not a negative aspect. I was expecting it. The point is to be able to be a little more competitive than we have been, which was what I hoped for and what we need to win the title. Marquez has changed his strategy over the years. When he identifies a really competitive rider, he always does his best and struggles to get off the podium, unlike us. We're not far off, but what has been done so far may not be enough."
Andrea elaborates on the question, letting more than a hint of disappointment come through.
"I'm just disappointed that I missed the podium, not resigned. If I were, I wouldn't be racing in MotoGP. We're doing well, anyway, and I expect a lot from the next races. Marc is fast enough to fight for the podium anywhere, he observed. "While, when I struggle, I finish fourth and it's not enough."
Still speaking of his main adversary, the rider from Romagna clarifies how it's impossible to accurately know which merits to attribute to Marc and which to his motorcycle.
"Unlike many, I don't feel like responding. I can't evaluate Marc's or Honda's worth. He may be the best rider and Honda the best bike," he admitted. "But I don't know for sure because so many things have turned out differently over the years from what I thought, so I can't know and, those who don't ride, even less. Marc has a particular style that doesn't allow you to understand if he has a great bike or if he makes the difference. For example, Pedrosa won with this bike making it look easy.”
Analyzing things a bit more, it's impossible not to speak of Alex Rins, the real surprise of the season for the fight towards the title.
"On paper, Rins is a problem. As Marc said, he hardly gets off the podium, and Alex can get in the way. But it can become an advantage if the situation changes. The Suzuki is probably the best bike on the track in corners. And he is certainly a talent that hides the bike's weak points."
In conclusion, Dovi expresses himself on his start, which partly spoiled the rest of the race.
"I had a perfect start, but I found myself in a position that allowed Marquez to take me out voluntarily, without doing anything unfair. When I returned onto the ideal line, Morbidelli entered, forcing me to raise the bike and lose two more positions, which didn't help."
Audio recorded by Paolo Scalera
