Andrea Dovizioso has put himself in reserve from MotoGP by announcing a sabbatical year which he could well interrupt in the event that a serious project, in which he would have a place of choice, is offered to him. This consideration seems to be a priority from a rider who, for eight years at Ducati, did not feel it. A lack which would even have marked his career and it is a regret for the Italian, if we judge by his declarations...
The pragmatic and all things considered discreet Andrea Dovizioso crossed the Grand Prix paddock with a regret that he adopted as an inevitability. The one who presents himself today without ambiguity as a “ unemployed » thus returns to a feeling which accompanied him throughout his career as a pilot and which he transcribes as follows: “ I wasn't appreciated as I deserved ».
A disappointment obviously felt among Ducati : " I didn't understand some of the reviews » he says, but he assures that the problem, as far as he is concerned, is more general: “ I think I haven't been valued in the right way in my career » he assures while specifying: “ but that doesn't frustrate me ».
An admission made during an interview with Dazn after Ducati did not renew his contract. The pilot of 34 years, explains: “ During the seasons with Ducati, things went better, although some criticisms did not escape me. If I didn't win a world championship, it's the fault of a phenomenon like Marquez ».
Dovizioso added : " I wasn't appreciated before the good years with Ducati. Because of the way I approached the championship, I always scored points quietly. And, if you look at my career, I've almost always finished in the top five. I've always been in the lead, but if you don't blow up, most people don't see you or congratulate you. At Ducati, my work was more noticed ».
Is Dovizioso a recourse for Honda?
Now the name of Dovizioso is cited to be a remedy for Honda who has to deal with being deprived of their leader Marc Marquez since last July, due to an injury to the humerus operated on three occasions, without any positive effect on his convalescence. A new long absence is feared, so much so that HRC would be forced to deploy a plan B, relying on an experienced driver who is also three times consecutive vice-world champion of the eight-time title.
A situation which opens another debate, that of a third motorcycle in Repsol Honda colors, which would allow us to wait patiently for the return of Marc Marquez while giving the brand the opportunity to maintain its position in MotoGP with an Andrea Dovizioso which would thus have the assurance of a stable project in the medium term. But before getting there, the regulations should be reviewed. And the promoter Dorna, through the voice of his boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, has already made it known that he will do nothing to promote this outcome.
Marc Marquez has signed with Honda until 2024 and the first tests for the 2021 season are expected at Sepang for mid-February. On his social network, for his Christmas wishes, he reappeared with his protective armor...
