Japanese GP – Dovizioso (1st): "We will fight until the end"

Andrea Dovizioso wins with her splendid victory in the wet at the GP of Japan 2017, after a battle of anthology against Marc Marquez. The Ducati rider, once again victorious against his determined rival as in Austria, reduced the gap to the championship leader to just 11 points. MNC Statements and Analysis.

Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati (9th in qualifying and 1st in race):  "At first I couldn’t see anything, I had to overtake a lot of riders because there was too much water and I was having trouble seeing the brake marks. I completed two decent first laps, but, probably because the The tires were not yet in condition, I could not be sharp. The front however behaved very well and it allowed me to brake harder. I did not feel very comfortable, but I did not I didn’t give up. I was getting faster and faster and I was able to assess my strengths and weaknesses. We had a great fight at the end ".

"Marc is always very aggressive and it’s hard to fight him. Six laps before the checkered flag my tires were worn out and I was in a lot of pain. He tried to try something, but he was already over- out of bounds and I was able to catch him. I knew that turn 11 was my chance. I negotiated the exit from the previous turn behind him and my bike was braking better than his. There were still two turns where anything could happen. Winning this race is important for the championship. We know Marc is tough to beat, but like I said we will try until the end ".

• Japanese GP: 
• Japanese GP :
• Japan GP – The choice of MotoGP tires in Motegi
• Japanese GP – MotoGP Qualifiers: Zarco’s second pole in the wet !

Site analysis: An epic showdown! As at the Austrian GP this summer, Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez clashed again in the clinch in Japan, keeping the whole crowd in suspense – as well as Mick Doohan below! – in front of their sensational passing of arms in the wet. And for the second time, "Dovi" wins the battle against the pugnacious official Honda !

Sensational the boys are making an already good show great

– Mick Doohan (@micksdoohan)

True to his reputation as a calm and thoughtful rider, “DesmoDovi” showed tenacity during the first leg of the Pacific Tour to stay in the wake of Marc Marquez, who took the lead after defeating Petrucci. A small slip in turn 8, and the junction was made: Dovizioso understood at that moment that the Spanish was at the limit, despite all his talents as a tightrope walker !

• Japanese GP – 
• Japanese GP – 
• Japanese GP – 

What followed took the form of a fantastic fight between two very determined pilots: "Dovi" was able to take advantage of his talent as a big brakeman and of the stability of the Ducati to tax the defending champion, who offered a reply which he has the secret in the last bend.

"Cata" braking, forceful passage from the inside, improbable cornering: Marc Marquez gave everything in his last maneuver, so much so that it was impossible for him to re-accelerate correctly towards the finish.

Andrea Dovizioso, he stayed on the right path without panicking about this attack he had anticipated: the Italian had only to let go of the fiery cavalry of the Ducati V4 to cross the finish line a quarter of a second ahead of the Honda. A demonstration victory for "Dovi", who strengthens with panache his stature as potential world champion !

Dovizioso, second in the provisional behind Marquez, thus reduced the gap on the Spaniard from 16 to 11 points while there were only three races left. With Maverick Viñales now 41 points behind, the 2017 title is played at this stage between Dovizioso and Marquez, each winner of five Grands Prix this season (against three for Viñales and one for Rossi and Pedrosa).

 

Another consequence of Andrea Dovizioso’s success on the Motegi circuit, which also belongs to Honda: Ducati takes second place in the manufacturer’s standings from Yamaha behind Honda. Full card for the Reds who can also rejoice in the sixth place of Jorge Lorenzo, far ahead of the M1 of Zarco and Vinñales respectively 8th and 9th !

Finally, a last word on the images offered by Marquez and Dovizioso on arrival, who warmly congratulated each other in the parc ferme despite all the intensity of their battle. Gentleman, the Spaniard even shook hands with the members of his Italian rival’s team: beautiful attitude of the defending champion, who understood yesterday afternoon that the "nice" Dovizioso would not hesitate to show the muscles to bar his way to the title !

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