Seventh place in the race at Phillip Island isn’t exactly the result Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati would have hoped for. However, it should be added With the 9 points he scored last weekend, Dovi mathematically confirmed his second place in the championship for the third time in a row. Perhaps no reason to break out the champagne, but coming first behind this type of Marquez could almost be seen as a victory.
Dovi has not won a race since the Austrian GP and the fact that they are there now Malaysia, a track where Andrea has won 2 of the last 3 GPs, is doing well, although both wins were taken in wet conditions. Today the Ducatista finished free practice in third place between the Petronas Yamahas and the factory bikes. What was that day
“Difficult – Dovizioso begins – but all in all it lived up to expectations. During FP2, I actually walked faster than I expected. I did a good lap and in terms of pace I am in the top group. I’m not the best, but we stand in line. Apart from Quartararo, I can’t see how we can beat him now. “.
You did a lot better in the afternoon, did you change anything on the bike?
“Yes, I tried a different setting that I really needed. It’s not easy to use, but there are more pros than cons. “
What do you expect for the race?
“The pace that I had this afternoon with used tires would allow me to be at the front in the race, something I have never been able to do in the dry. I have a chance “
What direction are you going in terms of tires?
“Last year I suffered a lot from the medium tires so I need to understand what is best for Sunday’s race. Maybe the switch can give me something, but I didn’t have to have time today to make a good comparison. ”
Fabio Quartararo is a leader and today also set a new track record. Did you expect him to be that quick from day one??
“Quartararo drove a great lap. I congratulate him for having a great season. He’s going to fight for the title next year because, in addition to the speed on the flying lap, he’s very consistent and always in the race. ”
Aside from Quartararo, you’re sandwiched between the four Yamahas, they seem to be the favorites for the race.
“The Yamaha is doing well at this circuit and I am not surprised by the results so far. You’re very strong in the middle of the turn and braking effectively, things that you need on a track like this. ”
You won twice MotoGP in Sepang with 4 podiums. What do you like about the route?
“We have to drive very calmly because there is very little grip at the front and rear. It’s not easy, but it’s what I like best about this track and this race, although it’s not easy to manage that aspect on the Ducati. ”
Audio recorded by Matteo Aglio