Andrea Dovizioso therefore succeeded in his perilous enterprise of returning to MotoGP, at the age of 34. Perilous indeed, because after breaking up with Ducati he waited months at home for an opportunity that would meet his conditions. All in a general context marked by the hunt for young people and the disinterest of decision-makers for experienced veterans. But the improbable happened with this break between Maverick Viñales and Yamaha which led Lin Jarvis to urgently have to replenish his sparse ranks. So here he is again a regular driver in the Grand Prix, facing new adversaries whom he evaluates like this...
Andrea Dovizioso wanted to drive for a factory for a long time Yamaha who didn't think of him. But the two parties still came together for a relationship which will continue at least until the end of 2022. The Italian is getting his bearings at the end of the season and getting familiar with a not-so-easy M1. He is waiting with such interest to be equipped with the latest version next year, instead of his current 2019 vintage, that he is not afraid to point out that it is there to be a candidate for the title.
His CV mentioning his victories and his three statuses as vice-world champion lends credence to this ambition. But as said Jorge Lorenzo, MotoGP has changed and as warned Cal Crutchlow, it has become very complicated for his generation, shaken by the news which asserts itself very quickly.
Among these new faces, Dovizioso distinguishes two of them, one of which is more particular. It must be said that given its results, it is currently difficult to miss it. This is his now distinguished colleague, Fabio Quartararo : " I didn't expect Fabio to dominate like that », admits Andrea. “ What he showed is awesome. Because no one other than him is as consistent with the Yamaha this year. Last year, Fabio won the first two races in Jerez, then he struggled a lot until the end of the season. This is why I didn't trust him to perform as consistently this year ».
Dovizioso: “ Quartararo put in some crazy performances«
« He had crazy performances because he lost a lot in a straight line » adds the Italian on speedweek. " Despite this, he achieved numerous solo victories. He therefore overtook his opponents and then left them behind. It's difficult ! His team does an excellent job. On the other hand, I had more confidence in the two Suzuki riders. I don't know why they aren't as strong as last year. It is impossible to evaluate it from the outside ».
The three-time MotoGP runner-up and 15-time winner in the category also shows respect for the fast rookie George Martin. " Jorge is another surprise, everyone knew his speed in the lower classes “, explains Dovi. “ But then, achieving such results as a rookie in MotoGP and coming back so strong after Portugal's serious injury, it's an achievement that truly deserves the highest recognition ». Dovizioso thus confirms all the good that Ducati think of his young Spaniard, teammate of Johann zarco at Pramac.
This weekend, in Misano, fabio quartararo has the possibility of becoming World Champion if certain accounting scenarios verify. For Dovizioso, the ambitions will be more modest: “ I think it will be very difficult to be competitive enough to get into the top ten, but the improvements we have made since the first race in Misano are huge. I'm really happy with this. After a good experience in this race and in America, I can't wait to return to Misano. This weekend will be a good opportunity to compare the bike and see where we are now and where we were a month ago, even though the conditions may be different. I think it will help me be faster and I aim to stay in the group. I can't wait to be more competitive and fight with the other drivers ". A final desire which is certainly shared by Lin Jarvis.
