The last Austrian Grand Prix was not easy for Andrea Dovizioso who, however, lifted a lot of weight. By deciding for an end to the story with Ducati at the end of this year, thus closing depressing negotiations for a contract renewal that looked like Tantalus' torture, the three-time world vice-champion of these last three campaigns found the path to victory. There is probably not an absolutely proven cause and effect link in this conjunction, but all the same, it is funny enough to be taken into account. And it’s to be confirmed this weekend, on the same route…
Andrea Dovizioso therefore decided to give up Ducati at the end of this season, but he continues to do his duty as it should. Last Sunday, he thus extended the brand's invincibility on the Red Bull Ring route, a loyalty to success that he will want to confirm again this Sunday. The Styrian Grand Prix thus succeeds that of Austria. But it will be law to be a formality.
Suzuki et KTM had in fact shown last Sunday that they could give the red motorcycle a hard time. Furthermore, the weather could once again hold surprises.
The weather will be the unknown in the equation
« After last Sunday's victory, I was able to get away a little during these three days and now I am preparing again for the second Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring Says Andrea Dovizioso. “ Last Sunday's race will be a good reference to try to fight for victory again, but we also understand that many of our opponents are strong and also have the potential to win ».
« We have improved the braking a lot, but we still need to take a step forward by working on other details. Also decisive will be the weather conditions which, as we have already seen, can change several times during the weekend » finishes Dovi, now second in the championship, 11 points behind the leader Fabio Quartararo, on a fragile Yamaha…
For his part, his teammate Danilo Petrucci, who will be summoned before the FIM commissioners this Thursday to tell his story with Alex Espargaro during Q1, thus envisages its fifth meeting of the year: “ Obviously, racing two consecutive weekends on the same track helps, because you arrive at the second race better prepared, with clear ideas and a precise objective: to improve the result of the week - previous end” specifies the one who finished seventh last Sunday. “II know that I can stay with the drivers in front, but I need to qualify better. This is the key to not having to recover positions during the race . I am convinced that we will leave Austria with more positive feelings”.
