As the MotoGP 2026 season looms on the horizon, former racing star Andrea Dovizioso has stepped into the spotlight, offering a candid and insightful analysis of the fierce competition ahead. In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dovizioso, who currently holds the role of Test Rider and Rider Performance Advisor for Yamaha, unpacks the high-stakes challenges that lie ahead for the Japanese manufacturer as it gears up for a pivotal year.
Dovizioso does not mince words when discussing the reigning champion, Marc Márquez, whom he still regards as the unrivaled benchmark in the title race. However, the seasoned rider also acknowledges the rising threats that could disrupt Márquez’s dominance. He points out the emerging talent of Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia, stating, “A ver cómo está Marc Márquez físicamente. Necesitamos entender si su última lesión le afectará. Si Marc no baja su rendimiento, volveremos a la pista para la temporada 2025.” The stakes are high, and Dovizioso believes that the competition is more formidable than ever. “Los resultados no serán los mismos porque, en mi opinión, los rivales de Márquez estarán preparados,” he adds, emphasizing that last season’s unexpected power from rivals could make life significantly tougher for Márquez.
Turning his attention to Yamaha, Dovizioso sheds light on the bold strategy the brand has adopted. “Se decidió tomar un camino complejo: adelantamos el proyecto un año antes de la nueva normativa,” he explains. This ambitious decision, while fraught with challenges, is seen as a necessary gamble to accelerate development. Though he admits that Yamaha may start the season in a “no ideal” position for championship contention, Dovizioso insists that this strategic pivot is vital for future competitiveness.
Reflecting on his past experiences, he recalls the struggles both Honda and Ducati faced in their respective downturns. “Me pasó primero en Honda y luego en Ducati,” he recalls, drawing parallels with the current situation. The lessons learned from those tumultuous periods inform his outlook as Yamaha navigates its own developmental hurdles.
The conversation also shifts to the promising debut of Toprak Razgatlioglu with Pramac Yamaha. Dovizioso expresses a pragmatic view on the expectations surrounding the Turkish racer, acknowledging that while they may be high, the upcoming season will serve as a critical learning phase. “Creo que las expectativas sobre Toprak son excesivamente altas,” he admits, but remains optimistic about Razgatlioglu’s potential to adapt and thrive under pressure.
As he nears the milestone age of 40, Dovizioso still harbors dreams of championship glory with Yamaha, recognizing that 2026 may not be the immediate year to achieve that ambition. “Tengo muchos sueños. En cuanto a Yamaha, el objetivo es volver a ganar el Campeonato Mundial,” he states, hinting at the long-term goals that extend beyond mere results.
Dovizioso also shares his enthusiasm for a new venture, the 04 Park project, which he describes as challenging but rewarding. With plans to compete in the Italian Championship and eventually the World Championship, he emphasizes the need for a strategic financial commitment to make it all feasible. He concludes with a nod to his passion for motocross, expressing a desire for personal satisfaction in his racing endeavors, even if they don’t yield significant accolades.
As the MotoGP landscape prepares for another thrilling chapter, Dovizioso’s insights reflect not just a deep understanding of the sport, but also an enduring passion that continues to drive him forward. The upcoming season promises to be a battleground of skill, strategy, and unyielding ambition, with every rider eyeing the ultimate prize in this relentless quest for glory.
