Andrea Dovizioso is, at 36 years old, the current dean of a MotoGP that he promises to leave at the end of this season. Notwithstanding the fact that at that moment, it is Aleix Espargaró who will become the most experienced on the starting grid, with Johann Zarco not far behind, it is above all this announcement made in general indifference in the torpor of 'a summer break that leaves a bitter taste. But given these latest results, the feeling is that Dovi was already long gone and is therefore ending his agony with relief. When leaving the place, he still leaves a message for Yamaha which looks like a warning...
Andrea Dovizioso had made this clear on several occasions, and his sad results corroborated his point of view: the Italian was, this season, experiencing his last moments in MotoGP. But this time he clearly announced it on motogp.com : " that's for sure, I won't run in 2023. I always said if I wasn't competitive, I didn't want to be here. So there is no reason. Especially after 20 years. I never tried to get a place for next year ».
And he adds: “ I'm completely relaxed about it. I already did half a year of racing last year. I've already tried retirement so I'm OK with that. ». Andrea Dovizioso won 24 Grand Prix victories, including 15 in the premier class, for Honda and Ducati and 103 podiums (62 in MotoGP for Honda, Yamaha and Ducati) since his debut as a 125cc wild card in 2001. He won the title 125cc in 2004 and was twice vice-champion in 250cc, then three times consecutive MotoGP vice-champions of Marc Marquez.
But this track record is far away given his current performance: “ I sure don't want to end the season like that because it's so nice to be competitive. When you feel that you can do a very good time and you are fighting for a good position, like I always did in the past ", declared the pilot of 36 years. “ But no one ever has everything under control and it can happen! ».
Andrea Dovizioso: “ there is no longer a way to be competitive with a Yamaha like in the past«
Now, before packing up for good, he has something to say to Yamaha ... " If you don't ride like Fabio Quartararo, it's very difficult to be competitive with the Yamaha. If Fabio wins, there is a reason. This means that there is a possibility of being fast. But if the other drivers complain, as in recent years, it is because there is no longer any way to be competitive as in the past ».
He adds : " when there is only one bike in front, that means there may only be one way to be competitive. If you look, the second rider at Yamaha and Honda, he is very far from the first. This means, in my opinion, that the basis of the bike is a bit difficult and a bit peculiar. It was Honda for the last eight years and I think it's Yamaha now. As I also think maybe the Aprilia ". Which leads to a danger that Dovi implies: a single being and everything is depopulated. By the way, Dovizioso should still finish this season within an RNF team which will move to Aprilia in 2023.
