Dovizioso shocked and touched by tributes to his final GP

Andrea Dovizioso ended his profession as a MotoGP rider, competing within the 346th and final Grand Prix on Sunday. As he had determined, it was at dwelling, in Misano, that he got here full circle, exactly the place, 22 years in the past, he competed in his first race amongst “the greats” and made his mark. instantly observed within the Aprilia Problem. At 36 now, the Italian rider leaves the scene with 24 victories and a 125cc title.

Very in problem this season on the handlebars of the Yamaha, the one who was thrice vice-champion of the MotoGP world towards Marc Márquez connected little significance to his efficiency on Sunday, though he was nonetheless on the lookout for his second finest results of the yr by reaching the end twelfth. What he’ll keep in mind essentially the most are the numerous marks of affection acquired all through the weekend and the surprises that have been reserved for him, particularly on Saturday night within the relative intimacy of his workforce’s hospitality.

Earlier than heading to a restaurant within the metropolis middle for a ultimate get together to which your complete paddock was invited on Sunday night, Andrea Dovizioso spoke at size with the media. The chance for him to specific his heartfelt thanks after such an ideal weekend in his eyes, but additionally to lastly comply with let the emotion emerge, which is uncommon on this pilot who is totally in management.

On Tuesday, he’ll already be again on the monitor to check out a brand new Alpinestars helmet in the course of the official take a look at that his now former colleagues and opponents will conduct, nonetheless at Misano, however it’s above all to motocross that he’ll now commit himself. Specifically, he’s making ready a challenge that’s near his coronary heart and that he plans to announce by mid-November.

Andrea, how was this final Grand Prix?

I used to be shocked by all this warmth. I anticipated it a bit of bit, however under no circumstances that a lot. As an example there will be conditions the place it needs to be executed and others the place it’s actual, and also you perceive this if you end up confronted with individuals who say or do sure issues for you as a result of they wish to. actually. And I did not count on it. It confirms how a lot I used to be capable of transmit the character that I’m, particularly on the finish of my profession with Ducati, with the fights for the title and the victories, even when we didn’t handle to win the championship. This character could or is probably not favored, however in any case he’s fairly completely different from the standard showmen or explosive pilots, who’ve their very own traits.

It made me very joyful. The weekend could not have gone higher. I anticipated a way more regular weekend, so I wish to thank everybody: the followers who got here to the race with banners, all of the folks I met within the paddock, the groups… The most important a few of these with whom I’ve labored have come to see me, and that’s one thing that makes me very joyful.

What was your largest emotion?

[Samedi] night the workforce organized one thing with all my pals and a video with the opposite drivers, it was very emotional for me. The race and its finish, no… I am all the time rational, so I did not have any unusual feelings at the moment. After which we’re drained, so now will not be the time [d’être émotif].

A ultimate lap of honor with a smile for Andrea Dovizioso

How was the race itself?

The race was as normal. I can not be quick firstly, I can not cease the bike nicely, so I could not keep involved with the group in entrance of me. However from the center of the race and till the top, I used to be capable of go quicker and set my tempo. I used to be capable of play a bit with the riders behind me and preserve my place, and that is the constructive level. However it’s positive that many pilots fell. Twelfth is an efficient place for me. I wished to make the highest 10 however I could not. In any case, I am pleased with this weekend and the way in which it ended. I actually wish to thank everybody. Thanks actually. Even the media! [rires]

What have been you pondering on the final lap?

On condition that I’m all the time a rational driver, I hesitated between doing my quickest lap of the race, since I had executed higher within the first sector, or benefiting from it. With every sector, I modified my thoughts! So I did not do my finest lap, however by little, and I had a little bit of enjoyable… It is becoming with the character! [rires] It was good, anyway. On the final lap, all my pals have been already ready for me at flip 14, I noticed all of the flags. It is actually enjoyable.

The opposite pilots recorded a video message for you. Which touched you essentially the most?

There wasn’t one specifically, however I’ve to say a giant thanks to everybody who did. And we’re actually speaking about massive names, so I wasn’t anticipating that. The issues which have been mentioned to me [samedi] night, which weren’t insignificant in any respect, moved me. It wasn’t a video specifically, it was usually, together with what was executed in hospitality by the workforce or what sure folks mentioned. It wasn’t faux, so it hits and I began crying.

You’re the just one to have repeatedly overwhelmed Marc Márquez. What did he say to you when he got here to greet you on the gate?

Nothing particular, however there’s respect and whenever you try this form of factor, it is good. It is true that there are cameras, however there’s respect, so it is a pleasure.

Marc Márquez got here to greet Andrea Dovizioso on the beginning grid

Your father is especially pleased with your file, that of by no means having missed a Grand Prix attributable to damage since your arrival within the World Championship till the top of 2020. What conjures up you?

It is in step with my character, even when it additionally takes a little bit of luck, as a result of whenever you fall you by no means know the way issues will go. However the strategy we’ve got to testing and racing relies upon lots on the thoughts and the traits of the driving force and it’s subsequently in step with my character.

On the finish of 2020, we greeted you throughout a final press briefing, on the time on Zoom, and we hoped to see you once more. In the present day, alternatively, it’s a actual farewell: how completely different is it?

It is utterly completely different. The entire dynamic of MotoGP has modified, the way in which it’s important to race, a number of issues have modified in order that’s the true finish. It isn’t that I can not be aggressive, however it will be essential to restructure, recreate a sure scenario and, between my lack of motivation to take action and a scenario that might be tough to seek out, that is how it’s.

Are you going to commit your self to motocross any further: at an beginner or world stage?

Ah, if solely it was within the World Championship! No, the very best I can do is the Italian championship, which I already did final yr. But it surely’s not that easy.

If a producer calls you to give you to turn into a take a look at rider and develop a MotoGP, would you be prepared to think about it?

I hold doorways open usually, as a result of in my life I’ve discovered to not shut them a priori. So I do not know, I am completely relaxed. I have already got my initiatives, and if fascinating proposals are made to me, I’m utterly open to speaking about them.