Andrea Dovizioso says Ducati’s tyre gamble in the shortened MotoGP season opener in Qatar was the right choice, after finishing the race in second.
The Italian got his 2017 season off to a strong start with the runner-up spot at Losail, opting for the soft tyre for the race.
Dovizioso felt the tyre call was the right one, despite failing to hold off eventual race winner Maverick Viñales after a late fight.
“The [tyre] gamble we took was right,” he said. “We had good speed before the race but we couldn’t have finished the race with Maverick [Viñales].
“Also, there was a lot of humidity and for sure the race was slower, so with the soft tyre if you don’t push really hard you’re able to save it.
“Everything went really well after the crash of [Johann] Zarco because when I was leading, I was comfortable and I was able to save the tyre.
“It was the only way to finish the race with Maverick because he had better pace and a harder tyre.
“At some points it was OK, but at some points the difference was too much. My good point was the straight – but then I was just too far back to take him on the last lap.”
Discussion about this post