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Many riders have been present at EICMA in this 2023 edition of the Rho Fiera Milano show. Andrea Dovizioso also responded to the call and was welcomed by numerous enthusiasts at the Elf stand. The lubricants brand, belonging to the Total group, continues its commitment to the world of two wheels, signing among other things an agreement with the Forlì rider.
An exciting challenge, which also involves 04 Park, the cross-country track relaunched by Andrea and inaugurated last summer. We spoke with Dovi about this new partnership and at the same time about the final sprint in MotoGP with the duel between Bagnaia and Martin.
“I am really very happy with this new collaboration with Elf, because it is not a simple sponsorship, but it talks about giving value to my dreams – he began – it talks about my career and the latest challenge, which is 04 Park. In the last two years we have wanted to relaunch this structure and step by step we have arrived at the opening. However, today I don't consider myself an entrepreneur, but a spender (smiles), because there are costs and contracts to deal with on a daily basis".
How did this adventure come about?
“We already talked about it last year and now this possibility has materialized, given that I need brands with this weight and mentality. As I said, I'm happy and I think that together we will get a lot of real satisfaction."
Andrea, is it true that you would like to bring the MXGP World Championship to your track?
“It would be a dream to bring the Motocross World Championship, perhaps doing two Italian rounds with Maggiora. However, there is a lot of work to do, but we’ll see step by step. We are still at the beginning and a lot of work still has to be completed"
Speaking of the World Championship, how will the Bagnaia-Martin battle end?
“I'm really excited for this season finale. Due to the rules I'm bored with certain battles while the last few races have proven to be exciting. Now there is in fact a great fight between two different riders, but with the same title chances and the head will make the difference. On paper, Martin has perhaps half a point more."
What are your thoughts about Pecco?
“In the last few races I see Bagnaia as doubtful, he seems to start with some doubts but I don't know the reasons, whether they are technical or not. He often solves problems, but this puts him in a situation at the limit. Martin, on the other hand, starts off strong and is immediately competitive. In the end, however, Pecco is someone who knows how to solve things and we have seen it. He just has to stay calm, take advantage of race management and know how to manage himself by giving 100%. The problem is that when you have pressure and tension you can't reach 100%."
Speaking to Stoner, he says that this MotoGP is increasingly closer to F1.
“There are more and more aspects where engineers have made a difference in recent years, changing the style and much more. Now the riders have to ride differently and the bikes are more physical and precise. Marquez, just to give an example, when he accelerates behind a Ducati he can invent what he wants, but if the bike doesn't accelerate due to grip he can't do anything. A few years ago, however, it was different, but now if you don't have certain performances you don't do anything. In my opinion, Ducati has sorted out some details while the others are suffering."
Marquez arrives in Gresini next year. What do you expect?
“It will be very interesting. He will go very fast and will have to adapt to two things: the first is braking, because he has always been used to it with his Honda. However, I am of the opinion that he will adapt quickly."
And the second? (silence from Dovi).
How will the other riders look at Marc?
"The others are so excited that they can't wait to beat Marc and give him a hard time."
Do you think Bagnaia is happy with his arrival?
“Bagnaia must not give importance to Marquez. He will only have to think about himself, because if you try to copy these great champions, then what happens is that they send you astray. In some ways it's a bit like what happened in Lorenzo's time. Jorge arrived at Ducati, he thought he would smash everything, but in the end it wasn't like that. We'll see, I'm really curious."
