In Italy and throughout the world, Andrea Dovizioso has always remained in the shadow of the very charismatic Valentino Rossi.
Convinced of his talent, the Ducati rider long considered this an injustice, but it forged a character in him made of tempered steel.
The man is therefore solid, and a few successive rammings will not destabilize him.
On the contrary, serenity and perspective emanate from his words which, as usual, are not uttered in a tongue-in-cheek manner. His words concern his situation at Ducati or various subjects which, at a time when we expect the arrival of Lorenzo among the reds, take on all their importance, even if some are somewhat scratched in the process... We're not doing it again!
Excerpts…
Andrea Dovizioso: “I have never felt as strong as since I joined Ducati, and this year we can do great things. However, I prefer to wait until I get to the races in Europe and the slower circuits, like Jerez, before giving a definitive opinion. There are still a few small details missing, but we are practically in paradise. »
“Jorge is a great driver. He won against Valentino with the same bike, and that says it all. Iannone is fast; last year, although I got more podiums than him, he made me doubt. but this season, everything is clearer. And, finally, the Desmosedici is competitive, there is no longer any need to work so hard to develop it. »
“I am not a conventional pilot like the others. Valentino knew how to create a unique profile. Most of the paddock imitates him, because they have no personality; the designs of the helmet, the search for an easy joke at all costs, this aggressive and friendly, but false tone. No, that doesn't suit me. »
“I agree with a lot of what Stoner says, but his positions are too extreme. When will I leave MotoGP? It could be at any time, without thinking about it. I won a world title, I'm with the best, and I've always given everything. I'm 30 years old and I don't need fame to live well. I have inner serenity. »
» The tension is there, it is felt constantly. On the podium, in the press conferences, but I thought the three (Rossi, Lorenzo, Marquez) were going to be more aggressive on the track at the start of the season. Maybe just a matter of time. The important thing is not to put yourself in the middle of their fight and stay on the bike, because I've already paid the price this year, and now I just want to fight in front."
Andrea Dovizioso therefore appears solid as a rock. A rock next to which his talented teammate sometimes looks like a young mad dog in the middle of a bowling game...
But who will Ducati choose?
Source: La Repubblica
