MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso, “Special day, I don't have the usual feeling”

Andrea Dovizioso MotoGP 2015 Ducati – Andrea Dovizioso closed the first day of testing for the Catalunya Grand Prix with the fourth fastest time. The Ducati rider encountered a few more difficulties than expected on a track with many potholes and dips. From morning to afternoon the situation improved significantly, here's what he told the Italian press at the end of the tests.

Andrea, tell us about this first day of testing, which saw you get the 4th time.

“Our speed isn't bad even though the track wasn't in great condition, but the feeling with the bike isn't at its usual level. It will be important to acquire him from a race perspective. On the circuit there are large potholes created by the cars, so we need to work on the setup to better understand which direction to take for tomorrow."

Could having so much power in a circuit like this be a disadvantage?

“Disadvantage is not the right term, but we must work to limit the power. Looking at the Suzuki which went very fast, you understand that power isn't everything here. This aspect must also be seen, but it is something we also do on other tracks, even if here we are considering this aspect more. In Barcelona when the temperature rises there has never been so much grip and today's MotoGP bikes have a lot of power for this circuit, which has never been very fast.”

Hondas were very strong, do you think they are “back”?

“It's a little early to understand what will happen in the race and in my opinion the Yamahas remain the most balanced. Doing a lap is one thing, having the pace for the race is another.”

What impression did seeing the Suzuki out there make you?

“More than the fastest lap, I was struck by Aleix Espargarò's race pace, even if I think that for the race everything will be more complicated.”