500 cc World Champion in 3 with Gilles Bigot as team leader (who currently works with Tom Lüthi at Marc VDS), Alex Criville is the first Spanish rider to have won in the top category. He is one of the heroes of motorcycle sport in his country, where viewers can follow his comments during each Grand Prix on Movistar alongside Ernest Riveras, Izaskun Ruiz, Juan Martínez, Carles Pérez and Ricard Jové.
Based on his extensive experience, Alex gives here his point of view on different subjects:
Can a satellite driver like Johann Zarco beat factory drivers?
« zarco is in great shape and drives very well. I think he is one of the few who can beat the factory riders (because Petrucci and Crutchlow have factory motorcycles – or close to them). This seems difficult to me, although it cannot be ruled out that apart from Zarco, on a rainy day or in difficult conditions, Miller or another could surprise. »
The recent Qatar Grand Prix:
“It was a very good start to the year, with two drivers from two different factories looking for victory until the last corner, although Dovizioso was already thinking about the end of the race. I think this year we will see something similar to what happened last season: A fight between Marc [Márquez] and “Dovi”. However, I think there will be more riders with opportunities to win, and fewer differences between them. There are ten or twelve riders who, at any given time, can be comfortable on a circuit and have the chance to fight for victory. »
Did a pilot surprise you in Doha?
“We expected 'Dovi' and Marc to be at the front, but I think one of the riders who took a step forward is Alex Rins. Last year he was unlucky with his injury, but he had very good training sessions and, in the race, he showed that he had the potential to fight for the podium and, why not, to win a Grand Prix. »
Can 9 drivers win like in 2016?
“I wouldn't go as far as saying nine riders, because at the moment it's very difficult to beat Márquez or Dovi, but six or seven different winners could happen. Pedrosa, Rossi, Viñales, Lorenzo, Rins, Zarco… They will be up there. Maybe Crutchlow could be with them from time to time at some races. It wouldn't be a surprise to reach the 2016 figure and, although it's difficult, the equality we've seen makes us think it's possible. »
What score would you give to Marc?
“A very high score. I would give Marc 9/10, because in Qatar he had a great race in which he was not satisfied with second place. It was difficult to win and he tried anyway. Overtaking in the last corner was very difficult, as he was able to overtake but had to stop the bike to enter the corner. “Dovi” took a very good trajectory, gained more inertia and was able to accelerate faster. It was good that he tried it, but Dovizioso already knew Marc would try this. »
Direction Argentina:
“Argentina will be another race, although the ones to watch will be Marc and 'Dovi' again, much like last season. Honda will be back at the front, but Yamaha and Ducati will both be present. In the first test session we will see how each factory adapts, but I am convinced that Dani, Rossi and Viñales can do well, and I think that Jorge [Lorenzo] must take a step forward, because if his teammate can win, he can too. Next we will see Zarco, Rins and Petrucci, but it will be a great race, with little difference between each rider. »
Photos and source © Repsol Honda
