Andrea Dovizioso Destroys Marc Marquez On The Last Lap & Last Corner!
The Austrian race was one for the record books and will be talked about for many years with an absolute last minute dash between Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez. It was a battle that we witnessed with paint swapping, elbows and knees plus hard braking with absolute precision in amongst an adrenaline rush of pride. The swaps in position were clean and put fans on the edge of their seats. It was inspiring to watch DesmoDovi regain confidence and feel at the top of his game.
The Dovi that we know is capable of winning and focusing on his job showed up to Austria and really took it to Marquez. His block pass on the World Championship leader in to the last corner was an absolute gamble and one that demonstrates his ability to put the Ducati in places that others are struggling to achieve for example Danilo Petrucci who struggled with the tyre wear and shredding to much after the initial Cal Crutchlow accident and Pol Esparagro whose bike cut out midway through the first corner. The red beast is back on top again in Austria denying Marquez a victory he really pushed for.
AD04: “Today I’m so happy, because this victory was really important for me. Towards the end of the race I had good right-side grip on the tyre and this allowed me to successfully attempt that incredible overtaking move at the final corner. My strategy for the race was to be aggressive right from the opening lap, but Marquez was more aggressive than me. He immediately tried to impose his rhythm but I was always able to respond and in the final stages I think he had more wear on his tyres than me so I could stay right on his tail until the end, and attempt that crazy passing move on him at the final corner. I want to thank Ducati and my team because today we did everything just perfectly.”
In contrast, Marquez achieve some key points and there is every opportunity he could finish the World Championship in Aragon. The money was on Marquez after his display of pace in qualifying and the various practice sessions. However, it was not meant to be and he had to settle for second place and blamed the lack of drive on the fact he made a poor call with tyre choice.
MM93: “I’m happy because today we made a mistake with the rear tyre, immediately I saw all the soft tyres had better grip and even their consistency at the end was better than us. Even like this I tried because I’m Marc and I need to try! The second place is good, we missed in the last corner with a lot of sliding but Dovi did an incredible job. Still we are able to leave here with a 58-point lead so we will keep continuing like this. Even when we are not in the best shape, we are able to finish like this which is positive overall.” By taking 20 points, Marquez controls a healthy 58-point advantage and is aiming to take charge at Silverstone which is next up on the calendar.
In terms of home grown talent, Australian rider Jack Miller had a disappointing race with a shock exit as the front end went underneath him and caused him to crash. The Jorge Lorenzo rumours did hit Jack Miller like a ton of bricks and no doubt his failing to finish not an ideal situation to be in with contract negotiations still ongoing. JM43: “I’m disappointed because if I’m to be honest, I felt like I had the podium in my hand. I tried to attack Quartararo and the feeling was very positive. Unfortunately I made a mistake and my race was over. It’s a shame because we did a great job this weekend and for that I thank my team.” The road to Silverstone will be an important one for Miller because a contract renewal will allow him to focus purely on racing. Right now, he is balancing his future with the present and that is never ideal in the sport of two wheels.
In terms of perfection, Fabio Quartararo did not put a foot wrong in the race at Austria. Quartararo stayed with the front runners for as long as possible and then focused purely on his job at hand which was to finish on the podium etching another token of appreciation in to the history books. To achieve a podium at a race he considers one of his most difficult is a reminder that this young rider means business and is not going to yield any positions to his fellow rivals.
In comparison and breaking news, Johann Zarco and KTM have called it quits for the second year of the contract that was signed between the Frenchmen and Austrian manufacturer. The relationship between the two was fractured after a few races, although, we are shocked that Zarco did not give it a shot to stay and fight for the success. “Zarco tried to adapt his riding style to the KTM RC16 and the team tried relentlessly to mould the #5 machine to the Frenchman’s wishes and requirements.” However, with Pol Esparagro performing, it just has not worked out and the project is over for the rider who had so much to give back in 2018.
Overall, it was a race of ups and downs though Valentino Rossi can be proud of his efforts. The 4th place finish was a breath of fresh air for the Doctor who up until this stage was showing frustration and disappointment at the lack of Yamaha performance on offer. To finish just off the podium after a tormenting season to date is important because it showcases that Rossi can be competitive.
VR46: “Fourth place is a good result after a quite good weekend. On paper we should have suffered more in Spielberg, but already on Friday morning we were more competitive here than we were in the past. The race was good because at the beginning I was able to recover some positions, coming from tenth on the grid. Unfortunately, the guys in front of me were a bit faster. Anyway, fourth place is good. Maverick and Rins were also recovering momentum, but I was able to stay in front of them, so it was a good race.” Whether the next few races will allow Rossi to shine is something to be discovered and we have to be patient. With Jorge Lorenzo return also due for the Silverstone race, it will be intriguing to see how the experienced riders go in charging for the top spot.
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