Gap to Marc Marquez is ridiculous, says despondent Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso has given an insight into the ongoing frustration being felt in the Ducati garage – and probably the entire 2019 MotoGP grid – after branding the gap to Marc Marquez as ‘ridiculous’.

Marquez is well-placed to break the all-time points’ record this weekend if he maintains his superb run of form that has seen him finishing all but one race first or second (the anomaly being a DNF out of the lead in Austin).

With two rounds remaining, Marquez commandeers a 135-point lead over Dovizioso, who in turn is 57-points clear of third place Alex Rins, meaning he will be assured of the runners-up spot to his rival.

Despite this, Dovzioso – who has won two races this season - is alarmed by the growing margin between Marquez and his competitors, revealing ‘everyone is worried’.

“Everybody in this championship is working at the maximum, it doesn’t matter the result, and we will continue like this and put the effort in,” Dovizioso said. “In this moment it is difficult to know what we really have to do as the gap is ridiculous, it is a bit too much

“Everything is possible as the last two years we have fought more so I think we have a chance to come back and fight again but every year like always it is a different story.

“I think in this moment everybody is worried as it is difficult to know exactly what you have to do. I know what I would like to have different but to be able to do that and have that from the bike, from my style, everyone is working so hard. It is not about that.

“When there is a big effort from a lot of people, engineers, everything can come out. We will push and in this moment it is a bit difficult but it is the same for everybody.”

Marc Marquez poised to surpass Jorge Lorenzo’s points record

As question marks over Jorge Lorenzo’s future – both at Repsol Honda and MotoGP in general – continue to gather pace amid his startling run of dismal form, one of his all-time records could well be broken by his title-winning team-mate this weekend.

Lorenzo achieved the current record of 383 points over an 18-race calendar, meaning Marquez – currently on 375 after 17 races – needs to finish seventh or higher in Malaysia to notch up another record for his repertoire.

The Spaniard achieved his eighth grand prix title in 2019 – six of which have come in the premier class – and - at 26-years-old - many are expecting him to surpass all records at this level in the coming years.

Marc Marquez GP career in numbers

Starts (MotoGP) - 125

Wins (MotoGP) - 55

Wins (Grand Prix) - 81

Starts (Grand Prix) - 203

MotoGP Pole Positions – 62

MotoGP Fastest Laps – 55

MotoGP Podiums - 93