MotoGP, Dovizioso on Rossi: “Retiring isn’t necessarily negative”

Invited to talk at the Università di Bologna, Andrea Dovizioso has commented on the latest Valentino Rossi retirement rumours. The Italian is not a GP rider right now, having split from Ducati last year, and is currently enjoying himself at the MX tracks, in addition to carrying out some tests for Aprilia.

“The inevitable end of a cycle”

Dovi comments: “Valentino is the only rider who can compete without fighting for the title. A status he’s gained with his performance on track”. But this year the nine-time champion is really struggling and, seven races in, he’s nineteenth in the championship with 15 points: “It’s not nice to see him so far from the front. His results are different this year. He’ll analyse this and act accordingly”.

Andrea turns philosopher as he continues: “The end of a racing career is just the inevitable end of a cycle. He’ll face it when he chooses to, but retiring is not necessarily a negative thing”.

Hopes pinned on Bagnaia

The only Italian now in with a chance of winning this year’s title is Francesco Bagnaia, fourth in the standings. But Dovi admits: “The championship is long and wide open. Pecco hasn’t won races, but he’s there, with a good chance of being champion”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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