The team manager of the official Ducati MotoGP team, Davide Tardozzi, recently estimated in our columns that “ For Honda, Márquez is more important than the evolution of their bike. » Here he addresses the lack of consideration suffered by Andrea Dovizioso – triple vice-World Champion behind the Spanish prodigy – including at Ducati.
Let's start with the evolution of the current delicate situation, and the consequences that Davide foresees in relation to the Championship in general and to Ducati in particular.
Will the development freeze that has been decreed until 2022 harm anyone?
“It seems to me that this is a good decision in a difficult time, because saving a little money is good for everyone. As they say, intelligence must be lord and master in this situation and Dorna made the right decision,” Tardozzi told Matteo Aglio of GPOne.com.
“Saving the budget must go hand in hand with the show. All manufacturers, from the biggest to the smallest, will struggle and there will be no problem delaying development for a year. While emphasizing that for Ducati technological development is important, we are in MotoGP to develop the standard product, so experimentation is fundamental. »
“Also, the fact that there are fewer races could influence the approach of some drivers, not all, but the protagonists will not change. Just look at last year's standings to see who they are, I would say all the drivers who finished 1st to 8th to which I would add Mir. Thus, the Ducati, the Yamaha, the Suzuki and Marc Márquez will fight for victory. »
Could 2021 be more difficult for teams and manufacturers than 2020?
“I think for at least a few years we will pay the consequences of what happened. Many sponsors will struggle to support teams as they have until now due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Slowly we will get back to normal and I would like to think that an opportunity may arise from these issues. Sharpening your mind means being able to improve yourself, you have to see things in a positive way. These situations make you think. »
In 2021, do you expect to find the same riders as today in the Ducati stand?
“I'm sure there will be two riders who are currently under contract with Ducati. »
There are 5 in MotoGP, you haven't narrowed the field much...
“Racing is a competition, and on the track you have to prove yourself worthy of the factory team. It's up to them to give us the answer. »
Wouldn't it be a shame to lose Dovizioso after all these years together?
“Andrea is an underrated driver because he is not a social media man and a person who wants to shine at all costs. It is no coincidence that he was 3 times vice-world champion behind a driver like Marc Marquez, so those who denigrate it do not understand motorcycling. »
“I think he's worth more than he's ever shown. He could never have won the world title because he had flaws? Everyone has them, even Marquez. If he finishes second, he may have something less than Marc, but what should all the other drivers say? »
Do those who criticize Dovizioso bother you?
“Let’s stop praising all the other drivers. If Andrea has finished second three times, that means he has merit. I'm tired of hearing that everyone who finishes behind him is called a freak while Andrea is just considered one of many. I think we should congratulate him for what he did. He doesn't seem like a failure to me. »
Do you think he's paying for his past, those years when he couldn't express himself better?
“Unfortunately, I'm afraid so, because over the last five years Andrea has been very competitive. I've been in MotoGP since 2014 and I can say he's done a great job, I've seen the bike, him and his mentality improve. He is 34 years old, and if Valentino at 41 is still rightly considered a top driver, I don't see why Andrea should be considered an old driver when he is in great shape mentally, physically and he is vice-World Champion. You have to be intellectually honest to criticize him but also to highlight the great things he has done. And he made them during the Marc Marquez era. »
Will he stay?
“(Laughs) I think it's in everyone's best interest to reach a positive conclusion. It is not up to me to lead the negotiation, it is in the hands of Dall'Igna who knows what to do. I think for Andrea too it is an opportunity to continue with Ducati. The rider alone cannot do everything, from time to time the motorcycle gives him a helping hand. There are three elements: the rider, the bike and the team, they have to work well together, as it is. »
Photos © Ducati
