Ducati resurgence: Third consecutive front row start for Dovizioso
The hard work of Ducati Corse is beginning to show as Andrea Dovizioso claimed second on the grid for the third race in succession. The factory Ducati rider had been just behind Marc Marquez for the majority of the weekend with the soft tires proving helpful in the colder English weather.
Dovizioso came into Q2 having run second in FP4 with a 2:02.610s. His time improved to a 2:01.140s in Q2, 0.311s from pole-sitter Marquez. The factory Ducati rider set the lap without the use of a tow in the closing stages of the session.
Ducati teammate Cal Crutchlow came to Silverstone with an injured shoulder following his crash in Brno. His difficult season continued at his home GP as he finished fifth in Q1, putting him 15th on the grid. The Briton was forced to scrap his second qualifying lap as he struggled with the tire, nearly crashing four times.
Dovizioso explained, “It was another good qualifying and another good weekend. Every practice we were towards the front with the medium tire -- our race tire. I think we’re closer to the fastest rider this weekend and we have to wait for the weather. But starting from the first row is always important so we can try to fight with the top guys.
“It’s hard to be consistent in the race, especially with the drop off in the tire. I really have to work and use a lot of energy to stay with the front. The team made a great job, but we know tomorrow will be tough. We’re in a better position though and getting closer."
Crutchlow commented, “Today was a very disappointing day, and to be so far down the starting grid is not a good result. I didn’t have the best feeling with the rear tire in the qualifying session. We’ll have to try and improve in tomorrow’s warmup because my bike has still got a lot of vibrations and not such good grip with the tires. Hopefully we can find a solution for the race tomorrow.”
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