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MotoGP, Dovizioso: "the Sachsenring will be a challenge, not only against Marquez"

"It will be tough to beat the Yamahas and Suzukis". Petrucci more optimistic: "the Ducati doesn't like this track, but I do. I want the podium"

MotoGP: Dovizioso: "the Sachsenring will be a challenge, not only against Marquez"

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After Assen comes Ducati's bête noire, the Sachsenring, a track where the red bike has won just once, in 2008 with Stoner. The worst thing is that it is Marquez's favourite track and comes at a time when Dovizioso desperately needs to make up points. Following the Dutch GP, Andrea now lies 44 points behind the Spaniard and although the season is still long, he needs to stop Marc.

Much more easily said than done of course, and Dovi is well aware of this. He is facing a tough weekend, during which he will need to get the very best out of his Desmosedici.

"The track's layout isn't particularly suited for our bike's characteristics, but the tyres also play a key role towards the final result of the race - he comments - I don't expect an easy challenge as we'll have plenty of strong rivals, and not just Márquez because probably Yamaha and Suzuki will also be competitive on an anti-clockwise track with so many tight corners."

All he can do is roll up his sleeves.

At any rate, we know we have our work cut out for us but each race is a different story and we want to keep moving forward on this circuit. Last year the gap on the finish line was small, but we still have room for improvement. We need to stay focused and finish the first half of the championship on a positive note."

Petrucci: "The Ducati doesn't like the Sachsenring, but I do. I want the podium"

Despite lying just 8 points behind his team-mate, Petrucci has other things on his mind. As he awaits a contract renewal, he knows he needs to put in the work and achieve results. Danilo, at least, like the German track.

Sachsenring maybe isn't the most ideal track for our bike, but personally I've always liked it - confirms the Italian - Last year I was the first Ducati rider on the finish line, only half a second off the podium, so I feel fairly optimistic heading into the weekend. Weather conditions are often mixed there, but managing the rear tyre is the most important thing because it stays for more than thirty consecutive seconds on the left shoulder each lap.

Petrux is aiming high

Our goal is to finish on the podium because only by confirming our competitiveness and racing constantly at the front we can keep holding the top spots in the rankings. Also, it's the last race before the summer break and a strong result would allow us to go on holiday happy. We are ready for another battle."

Translated by Heather Watson
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