Just a few days after an exciting Grand Prix of Japan, in which victory arrived after a battle with Marc Marquez right down to the last corner, Andrea Dovizioso is on his way to Australia at the Phillip Island circuit, the venue for round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship and the second of the three challenging end-of-season fly-away races.
Following on from that fantastic win at Twin Ring Motegi, his fifth of the season, Andrea Dovizioso is now gearing up for another crucial race at the Island, with just three rounds to go in the championship battle.
Dovizioso has stepped onto the Phillip Island podium a total of three times in different categories, scoring a win in 125 in 2004 and a third place in MotoGP in 2011, while last year he was involved in a terrific scrap with Viñales, finishing in a good fourth place.
With three rounds remaining in the championship, Dovizioso is currently second overall with 233 points, 11 down on Marquez.
The weekend schedule at Phillip Island kicks off on Friday morning with the first free practice session at 10.55am local time (01.55 CET), while the 27-lap race is scheduled for Sunday at 4pm (07.00 CET).
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 2nd (233 points)
“For sure Phillip Island is one of Marquez’s favourite tracks, and the situation will probably be a bit more difficult for us, but last year we did a good race and so we must try and work in the best possible way throughout the weekend. There are now just three rounds left until the end and anything can happen: we must try and always be fast at every circuit and in every condition. On paper we are not favourites for the win in Australia but we’ll be fighting as hard as ever.”