Dovi: We've lost speed compared to rivals

That Ducati has lost a step in recent races is undeniable. Andrea Iannone is third in the championship and Andrea Dovizioso is fifth so while the opening eight races of the year have been hugely impressive the last three have seen them lose ground to Yamaha.

With Marc Marquez showing a resurgence of form at Assen the red bikes are losing ground on the front runners and being pushed into the fight for the top five rather than the podium. This weekend’s German Grand Prix will be crucial for the team if they are to show that the GP15 is still capable of fighting for race wins.

“In the last couple of races maybe we have lost a bit of speed compared to our rivals,” admitted Dovizioso. “Even though my teammate did a good job at Assen, he could only cross the finish-line some way behind the leaders. The impression is that our adversaries have improved their performance and increased the gap.

“However every circuit has its different characteristics, and we will try and get closer at the Sachsenring. I think the German circuit is a bit short and narrow for MotoGP bikes, but the GP15 is proving to be competitive at every circuit and we must continue to work to try and get the best possible result every weekend.”

Iannone was nearly 20s behind Valentino Rossi at Assen and closing that gap this weekend will be a challenge. Sachsenring however could suit the GP15 with Iannone commenting that with the bike having been strong there last year, fifth at the flag and 23s behind the race winner, the much improved GP15 should give him the opportunity to do well.

“Sachsenring is a bit of a strange track, short but really nice,” said Iannone. “Last year with the GP14 it didn’t go badly, but this year I’m convinced I can do better because I’m in the factory team and the GP15 is very competitive. I hope it will be a good weekend and as always I’ll be giving 100% for me and my team.”