At Ducati, we can be satisfied with a start to the season where the spearhead Dovizioso has two podiums in two races including one victory. Certainly, but the rival Márquez also won with his Honda and as he was second in Qatar while the Italian was third in Argentina, it is he who is leading the way in the championship. This before this weekend's Austin deadline which should be a formality on paper. But the reds were expecting a Spaniard who was less in shape and on whom it would have been less complicated to get the lead. And then the competition was also competitive…
There is still a long way to go before this season is judged and many things will happen. However, the first trends are already appearing and it is Paolo ciabatti, the sports man at Ducati who highlights them: “ Márquez is an exceptional athlete. He has often surprised us with actions that only he can accomplish. ". A tribute that follows his brilliant performance in Argentina, a race dominated head and shoulders, concluded ten seconds ahead of Red et Dovizioso.
It will be recalled that Ducati's hoped-for plan did not work. During testing at Sepang in early February, we thought that Marc Marquez would suffer from his shoulder operation during the first two or three races of the Grand Prix. Error. The No. 93 arrives as leader of the championship in Texas, a route that Márquez dominates every year since 2013. An Austin site where Dovizioso achieved a second place in 2015, and a third in 2014.
The Ducati thought it had taken points ahead of the official Honda during the first two races. But Márquez is no longer quite the only concern… “ What seems to be the case is that we can expect an even more difficult season than in 2018 " Ciabatti said. “ Because I am sure that Yamaha will continue to be present. And Suzuki will be competitive with Álex Rins in most, if not all, races ».
He ends on speedweek : " In general, we prefer when the competition is open in MotoGP. Even if it makes our life as a builder more difficult. But we are here to compete and do our best. If other competitors can reach the top and fight for podiums or victories, it is for the benefit of the entire championship ».
