- Joined
- Jul 24, 2013
- Messages
- 1,037
- Location
- New York
Investing in a 2nd tier rider that can't ever win a race is a pretty stupid move. Last year Dovi started the season with 3 2nd place finishes. Couldn't win any of them, even the first one where Rossi pipped him in Qatar. He followed up with 2 3rd places and 4 DNFs for the rest of the season.
2015 Dovi - 3 2nd places, 2 3rd places, 4 DNFs. 162 points.
2015 Iannone - 1 2nd place, 2 3rd places, 3 DNFs. 188 points.
2014 Dovi was better. But he still only had 2 podiums.
Product branding? Iannone's win is worth more than all Dovi's podiums combined. Just look at motogp's website today. Occasional 2nds and 3rds don't get your picture on the website.
This pic made the websites too along with the one below. I don't think one win will expunge his reputation, or instantaneous make him brand ambassador.
I think if he strings together a few more wins this season, then a good argument could be mounted.