Dovizioso: Ducati lost small performance edge at Mugello

Andrea Dovizioso has conceded Ducati’s strengths at Mugello will create a smaller advantage compared to last year given his main rivals’ improvements as he braces for a tricky home race.

Dovizioso comes into the Italian MotoGP desperate for a big result after consecutive DNFs due to crashes at Jerez and Le Mans which has seen Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez produce a 49-point gap to him in the riders’ standings.

The Italian rider feels the points difference means he heads into Mugello with a tougher challenge compared to 12 months ago which saw him storm to victory for Ducati to ignite his title charge.

Dovizioso has also warned his Ducati’s top speed advantage and strengths under heavy braking could be less effective at Mugello from last year having seen his rivals made key gains. During the in-season Mugello test, held just before the French round, it was reported Marquez produced lap record pace at the Italian circuit in tricky conditions.

“At the test here a few weeks ago a lot of riders went fast but I feel confident on the bike and it is a good track for us on the bike. I think we can be competitive but every weekend is a different story,” Dovizioso said. “Like always in the fifth and sixth gear I think we have more power than our competitors so it is a positive. I am a good braker so I think the first braking point here is good for us and me.

“I think this year everybody has come closer to our power. I think the advantage we had, we still have it, but I think it is smaller than last year.”

The Ducati rider, who confirmed his new deal with the Italian manufacturer at Le Mans, does have renewed faith in the GP18's overall pace being strong enough to fight for the MotoGP world title having been fighting for victory at the past twoo rounds even though he ended up in the gravel at both.

“We came here last year in a completely different situation for many reasons and unfortunately we are quite far from Marc this year but I think we are more competitive than in the past,” he said.

“In the last two races unfortunately we have zero points but we have shown really good speed which is important if you want to fight for the championship. We know we have to gain some points and that is not easy as the level of the riders is really high.”