Andrea Dovizioso, a former MotoGP rider, was present at the San Marino Grand Prix last weekend. In an interview with Tuttosport, he analyzed the events both on and off the track. He praised Dani Pedrosa’s performance as a wild card and commented on the future of Marc Márquez.
The dominance of European brands in MotoGP is evident. “Ducati’s dominance is clear, but other European manufacturers, like Aprilia and KTM, are also adapting well to Borgo Panigale’s technological shock. They are performing well, and the results are visible: they are getting closer. They have the potential to beat [Ducati], but I still see work to be done to get there.”
Dovizioso defended Ducati against criticisms for having eight bikes on the MotoGP grid. “I say these are not the riders’ problems, and they rightly stay out of it. It’s a political issue. If Ducati is given the opportunity to present eight bikes and they succeed, they will do well to do so.”
He also praised Pecco Bagnaia’s performance, who finished third after his injury in Barcelona. “Pecco in Misano was exceptional after the severe accident in Barcelona. It’s the worst thing that can happen on the track, being in the middle when other bikes arrive and getting hit. Anything can really happen in those situations.”
Dovizioso was critical of the MotoGP regulations, such as the new tire pressure control system. “That’s why you don’t see overtakes. I’ve been saying it for three years: if you want to put more entertainment in MotoGP, you have to change the regulations. There’s too much aerodynamic load. Now MotoGP is almost like F1: when you’re behind another rider, the bike no longer works as you prepared it.”
This increase in technology means that the rider matters less and less, according to Dovizioso. “Seeing it on the track is impressive. Today’s cornering speeds are crazy, very fascinating. However, the rider can make less and less of a difference. The bike’s technique determines that, so the vehicle you have.”
Dani Pedrosa was one of the highlights of the weekend. The KTM tester participated as a wild card in Misano, narrowly missing the podium in both the Sprint race and on Sunday. “I’m not surprised. We know how strong Dani is. As a tester, he never stopped, and especially Jerez and Misano are two of his favorite circuits. And Dani, when he feels good, is really a top rider, even at 38. It’s great to see him ride on current bikes with his usual, very clean style.”
Pedrosa’s performance was a clear message to Honda, which had let go of the rider. “Yes, but it’s one more confirmation that, like Yamaha, they have fallen behind. The problem is that they were already behind a few years ago, and now that Ducati has made a big push in its development, they haven’t adapted and therefore fall even further behind.”
Regarding Honda, many claim that they will not have Marc Márquez in the future. “We need to know what the real possibilities [of Márquez] are, the details of the situation. We’ve been talking about nothing for weeks. I think next year Honda won’t be competitive for the title, so if that’s their goal, they’d do well to look around.”
In Márquez’s case, Dovizioso is clear about what he would do in his situation. “A rider wants to race and do it to win. If you have the opportunity to do it where you are, great. Otherwise, go somewhere else.”