Andrea Dovizioso finished the first day of the Valencia Grand Prix in the lead of the Yamahas, and this Saturday, at the end of qualifying, he regained his place as last of Iwata's troop. He is still thirteenth, and not very far from the others in the 2021 model. He still has one last race with the M1 2019 to complete this Sunday, but it will not be the only farewell that will be celebrated at the arrival of the final race of the year…
Andrea Dovizioso moves up the rankings and improves its performance on a Yamaha that he was unable to bring Q2 that for only 71 thousandths. “ On this type of track, our bike works very well, I have more than positive feelings » comments Dovi. “ I lack a little grip at the rear, a crucial aspect here, but in any case I am satisfied because I am only two tenths behind Fabio Quartararo he pointed out. " Clearly our objectives are different, but we can be satisfied with the progress made compared to previous races. The general good feeling is growing, it's no coincidence that I achieved my best time alone ».
Andrea Dovizioso: “ I'm only two tenths behind Fabio Quartararo«
Never so well ranked since his return to the premier category of the World Championship, the driver of 35 years hopes to end 2021 in the most dignified way possible, while waiting to try the four-cylinder Iwata in its revisited version. “ Looking at our current speed, I think a top 10 could be an achievable goal. » he predicts. “ Unfortunately, as I still don't have perfect control of the bike, I'm afraid of excessively wearing the rear tire. So, I don't know if I will be able to prove that I am competitive throughout the race. Someone will try the hard spec, but generally I think we'll all be using the same tire, which is the medium ».
Then he makes a little revelation: when the checkered flag is lowered in this last game of the year, the drivers will surprise Valentino Rossi, who will retire: “ I can not say anything. We will definitely do something, just wait and see. Something will be done right », he concludes, smiling.
MotoGP Valencia J2: qualifying
Credit classification motogp.com