Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso admitted he is confused by the lack of track grip compared to 2018, as the Italian qualified in the middle of the second row at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The factory Ducati’s were expected to be strong in Barcelona, it however appears to be the Yamaha’s and the Suzuki’s who are strongest thus far. Dovizioso points to the lack of track grip as to a possible explanation as to why that may be.

“Second row is a good result,” said Dovizioso who is sat eight points behind Marquez in the World Championship.

“My time wasn’t perfect, but I am satisfied. Today was a strange day for everyone, there’s been confusion ever since yesterday as we’re lapping a second slower than last year.

“The track is really strange, there’s no grip and it’s really odd to see such a change in just a year. It’s not a question of the bumps, which haven’t increased by much.

“It’s very hot so we’re all suffering with the tyres, many were on fresh tyres in FP4.”

When asked about his own pace and race changes, the Italian sounded quietly optimistic, although he did admit he was slightly going into the unknown.

“The set-up is good and I’m pleased with the bike, he said. 

“Tomorrows race will be a strategic one, it will  be difficult to understand everyone’s real pace, as we’ve completed few laps. Doing 24 in a row is a different story in these conditions.”