Andrea Dovizioso - could he be a dark horse for next year in Moto GP?

Question

I am getting pigged off with Y/A and the inane crud so I think I will run my points down in asking only motorcycle and motorcycle racing questions.

So what do you guys reckon to Dovizio in next years Moto GP? He seems to have taken well to the bike in the initial tests and was running Nakano's old bike better than the Japanese rider managed in the Malaysian race.

I have always liked the guy and when you consider the bike he had then his performance in 250 was all the better. He also does not come across as a prat like Lorenzo does. I for one hope that Andrea does do well and turns out to be the best of the new riders in the class - along with JT.

Answer 1

Yeah I'm a Dovi Fan too. But saying that on paper the championship is going to be a very close run thing. if it was a horse race the handicapper would have a heart attack trying to work out the weights. I too can not wait. and I agree if Dovi had been on equal machinery he would have beaten Lorenzo. people thought he made the jump to  GP to soon and should have waited for a better ride. I think that has been put to rest. I also think still that Honda are pulling out all the stops to get back in the game. they admitted they got their game plan wrong. They wont do it again.        

08 08 08 08 cant wait for 08

Answer 2

AT LAST A RACING QUESTION !!!!!

You have a very good my friend when it comes to Dovi.

He is super smooth and very light.

His style is very Stoner-esq. Never rushed, always good on the breaks. He was only Honda ever to give the mighty Aprillias a good working [ this ] year.

I would dearly love to see him get Rookie of The year, just to the world that he is better / or least just as good as Jorge.

I would like to him podium at least twice next year, even if it's his home race and one more, that would be great.

Said it before, I'll say it again........ Roll on 2008.

Answer 3

He's my favorite for top rookie next year.

On equal machinery, I'm convinced he'd have wiped the floor with Lorenzo.

Honda hadn't really updated their 2 stroke since Pedrosa won in 2005. And Dovi still managed to bring home a far inferior machine second in the championship. Where was the next Honda? Julien Simon in 9th!

So yes........I think Dovi will be the Dark Horse for 2008.

JT has a tough job ahead of him. Although, if he shows the kind of commitment that he does in the rest of his life, I'm sure he'll do well. (At least the best brit we've had for quite a while)

Answer 4

Andrea was always one of the best riders. It is true he didn't manage to take the title in the 250cc but I guess we can blame the tyres and of course the bike.

Honda is famous for spending more money on the MotoGP class, so he riding this type of bike next year is definitely a potential winner!

I'm starting to wonder how season 2008 is going to end... We have Rossi, willing to win because of his last two years, Stoner, hoping to keep the title, Andrea and Lorenzo, both new talents waiting for their time to shine, Pedrosa and Nicky who want this win really bad... And that is just the beginning of the list!

Can't wait for the new season! :)

Answer 5

I think he'll be the best of the guys soming up from 250, but, I don't think he'll be as good as Toseland. I think Vermuelen will be a serious contender for the 08 title.

Answer 6

Great question, and I agree with all the other guys above.

I think he will definately be on the podium more than once and I do believe that Lorenzo will regret going to Fiat Yamaha. I dont think he is as good a rider as he has been out to be. I dont like saying that a rider is only good because of his bike or that a rider is only good because he has the best bike "package", but he doesnt seem as comfortable on the Yam as Dovi is on the Honda. Would really love to see De Angelis finish ahead of Lorenzo too. And also hope that Melandri gets to grips with the Duc and wins a few more races next year!

Answer 7

Hey Shuggie

Closed season's a bummer isn't it!

I think he could be a regular visitor on the podium next year and he and Loco Lorenzo will be battling away again. He said he didn't like the Jerez circuit too much, and yet he still put up some pretty good times.

Another reason for speculation is what number he will race under? 34 would appear to be retired, so what do you think he'll use?

Answer 8

HRC are comitted to improving the factory Honda, and the satelite teams will be getting very little support. At least initially. Dovizioso is in my opinion the equal of Lorenzo, and has a very good chance of being next season's leading rookie. DeAngelis and Toseland are not in the same league as Lorenzo and Dovizioso, so he only has to beat one next year.It's 50/50!