MotoGP, Dovizioso: Winning at Mugello makes me cry

“It was a strange day and the strangest thing was the win” Dovizioso is logically in a joking mood after the undertaking at Mugello. It is a result that he dreamed of but that he was almost afraid to express, perhaps a bit superstitiously.

“And last night I was up until 4 in the morning with a very bad stomach ache, so I did not even do the warm up this morning - he explains - Fortunately, the bike was sorted and I did not have anything to test.”

So you started the race with peace of mind?
“I was a bit afraid of the possibility of losing energy. I have been repeating to myself since Friday ‘aggressive and smooth ride’ and that is what I did.”

10 laps from the end you went on the attack…
“I overtook Maverick but, to be honest, I did not have a strategy at that moment. Then I realized that no one had any margin and I focused on my pace, hoping it would be enough (he laughs). In all truth, I realized that I could win only after the last turn. I thought that Viñales would do a blistering last lap and catch me.”

What did you think when you crossed the finish line?
“There is a reason that all the riders who win at Mugello cry. Migno and Pasini did and so did I. Winning here is everyone’s dream; doing it with the Ducati is special, when you don’t expect it even more. I have no words to describe certain emotions.”

Did you really not expect it after the recent tests?
“They went well, but that’s the way it had gone for the last three years too (he laughs). I knew that I was closer and in FP4 I realized that I would have a chance. Then, in the race I found myself with Maverick and Valentino, who usually have a little something extra in the final laps, and with Petrucci, a really strong fighter in battles. I was certain of winning only on the last corner. I did not know how close they were.”

Mugello was yellow, but there was no lack of affection…
“For all three wins there was great joy even on the rival teams and that happens when people like you. I don’t have much to do with Valentino’s fans, but they gave me fantastic support and I thank them for that. On the podium I was filled with happiness. At certain times my lips quiver and I find it difficult to control my emotions.”

Do you have a particular dedication?
“I raced with the number 69 on my bike to honour a great person. I would also like to thank Ducati, my team and everyone who helped me. In MotoGP, the sum of many small details makes a big difference.”

Now you are 2nd in the championship. Is it time to make a prediction?
“I am not surprised. I knew that I could stay in the top 4 in the standings but the important thing is to have the speed to battle and up to now we had not had it.”

You really don’t want to make a prediction…
“Some say I’m a pessimist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist (he laughs). I know that we can be fast in some races, but not in all 18. We need to build a good base. You can’t win on one Sunday and finish 20 seconds behind in the next, as has already happened. Being second in the championship is not too bad (he laughs) but it is not enough.”

Lorenzo was in difficulty today…
“As I have been saying since this winger, I am not surprised. Jorge is a very fast rider, but he still does not have the experience he needs with this bike to be able to manage certain situations.”