Andrea Dovizioso, former MotoGP rider, was present at the San Marino Grand Prix last weekend. In an interview with Tuttosport, he analyzed the events on and off the track. He praised Dani Pedrosa’s performance as a wild card and commented on the future of Marc Márquez.
The dominance of European brands in MotoGP is evident. “The dominance of Ducati is clear, but other European manufacturers, such as Aprilia and KTM, are also adapting well to the technological shock of Borgo Panigale. They are performing well and the results are visible: they are getting closer. They have the potential to beat [Ducati], but I still see work to be done to get there.”
Dovizioso defended Ducati from criticism for having eight bikes on the MotoGP grid. “I say that these are not the riders’ problems, and they should stay out of it. It’s a political issue. If Ducati has the opportunity to field eight bikes and is successful, they should do it.”
Also praised Pecco Bagnaia’s performance, who finished third after the injury in Barcelona. “Pecco in Misano was exceptional after the serious accident in Barcelona. It’s the worst thing that can happen on the track, being in the middle when the other bikes arrive and being hit. Anything can really happen in these situations.”
Dovizioso criticized the MotoGP regulations, such as the new tire pressure control system. “That’s why you don’t see overtaking. I’ve been saying this for three years: if you want to bring more entertainment to MotoGP, you have to change the regulations. There’s too much aerodynamic load. Now MotoGP is almost like F1: when you’re behind another rider, the bike no longer works as we prepared it.”
This increase in technology means that the rider matters less and less, according to Dovizioso. “Seeing that on the track is impressive. The cornering speeds today are crazy, very fascinating. However, the rider can make less and less difference. The bike’s technique determines that, as well as the vehicle one has.”
Dani Pedrosa was one of the highlights of the weekend. The KTM test rider participated as a wild card in Misano, narrowly missing the podium in both the Sprint race and on Sunday. “I’m not surprised. We know how strong Dani is. As a test rider, he never stopped, and especially Jerez and Misano are two of his favorite circuits. And Dani, when he feels good, is really a top rider, even at 38 years old. It’s great to see him racing with the current bikes with his usual and very clean style.”
Pedrosa’s performance was a clear message to Honda, which had released the rider. “Yes, but it is more a confirmation that, just like Yamaha, they have fallen behind. The problem is that they have been behind for a few years, and now that Ducati has made a big leap in their development, they have not adapted and, therefore, fallen even further behind.”
Regarding Honda, many say they will not have Marc Márquez in the future. “We need to know what the real possibilities [of Márquez] are, the details of the situation. We have been talking about this for weeks. I think next year Honda will not be competitive for the title, so if that is their goal, they would do well to look around.”
In the case of Márquez, Dovizioso is clear about what he would do in his situation. “A rider wants to race and do it to win. If you have the opportunity to do it where you are, great. Otherwise, go somewhere else.”
