Births on March 23

Andrea Dovizioso, Italian motorcycle racer

Andrea Dovizioso, born on March 23, 1986, is an accomplished Italian professional motorcycle racer whose career has left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly in the premier *MotoGP* class. Known for his calculated approach and remarkable consistency, Dovizioso is celebrated as the 2004 125cc World Champion and perhaps most famously for his gripping rivalry with Marc Marquez during his tenure with the *Ducati Team*, where he finished as championship runner-up for three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019. With 15 *MotoGP* victories and an impressive 62 podium finishes, he stands as one of the most successful modern *MotoGP* riders.

Early Career: From Junior Categories to World Champion

Dovizioso's journey to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing began with significant promise. He first came to global prominence by clinching the 125cc World Championship in 2004, showcasing an early talent that marked him as a future star. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement that propelled him into the highly competitive 250cc World Championship. In this intermediate class, he continued to impress, securing a third-place finish in 2005 and subsequently challenging for the title, finishing as runner-up to Jorge Lorenzo in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons. These formative years honed his race craft and set the stage for his eventual leap into the elite ranks of *MotoGP*.

Ascension to MotoGP: Factory Teams and Maiden Victories

Making his much-anticipated debut in *MotoGP* in 2008, *Andrea Dovizioso* immediately made an impact. Riding as a satellite rider, he secured an impressive fifth place in the overall standings, earning him the prestigious promotion to the Factory Honda team – *Repsol Honda* – for the 2009 season. His three seasons with *Repsol Honda* were a testament to his growing prowess; he amassed 15 podiums and achieved his maiden *MotoGP* victory at the iconic Donington Park circuit. His best championship position during this period was a commendable third in 2011, establishing him as a consistent front-runner. Following his time with Honda, Dovizioso moved to Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2012, where he continued his strong form, finishing fourth overall with six podiums, a performance that caught the eye of the legendary *Ducati Team*.

The Ducati Era: A Rivalry Forged and a Legacy Defined

The move to the Factory *Ducati Team* in 2013 marked a pivotal chapter in *Andrea Dovizioso*'s career. While the initial years were challenging as Ducati sought to develop a competitive machine, Dovizioso's unwavering dedication began to bear fruit. In 2016, he broke a seven-year win drought by taking a sensational victory in Malaysia, signaling a resurgence for both rider and team. The 2017 season, however, would become legendary. *Andrea Dovizioso* found the "extra pace" he needed, engaging in an epic, season-long championship battle with the formidable *Marc Marquez*. Both riders clinched six wins each, pushing the title fight down to the final dramatic round in Valencia, where Marquez ultimately prevailed. Despite the heartbreak of narrowly missing the championship, Dovizioso's performance firmly cemented his status as a top-tier contender. He continued his fight in the subsequent 2018 and 2019 seasons, securing another six combined victories and once again finishing as runner-up to Marquez. While these years saw him consistently at the sharp end, the ultimate title eluded him. His long and impactful tenure with *Ducati* concluded after the 2020 season amidst a breakdown in relations, leading him to a return to *MotoGP* with the WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team for the 2022 season.

"The Professor": A Unique Legacy in Grand Prix Racing

*Andrea Dovizioso*'s career statistics are remarkable: he finished within the top five in 10 of his first 13 *MotoGP* seasons, a testament to his incredible consistency and dedication. This consistent high performance, coupled with his strategic approach to racing, earned him the fitting nickname 'the Professor'. It reflects his calculated riding style, meticulous understanding of bike setup, and intelligent race management – a stark contrast to some of his more aggressive competitors. Perhaps his most unique achievement is being the only rider in history to win a *MotoGP* race in three different decades – the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s – highlighting his longevity and adaptability at the highest level. Despite never clinching the *MotoGP* World Championship, Dovizioso is widely regarded as one of the best riders never to win the premier class title, a bittersweet distinction that speaks volumes about his talent and the caliber of competition he faced. His methodical brilliance and enduring presence have secured his place as a revered figure in motorcycle Grand Prix racing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrea Dovizioso

Who is Andrea Dovizioso?

Andrea Dovizioso is an Italian professional motorcycle racer, best known for his successful career in the *MotoGP* class, including winning the 2004 125cc World Championship and being a three-time *MotoGP* championship runner-up.

When did Andrea Dovizioso debut in MotoGP?

Andrea Dovizioso made his debut in the *MotoGP* class in 2008, immediately impressing by finishing fifth in the standings as the top satellite rider.

What are Andrea Dovizioso's most famous achievements?

Dovizioso's key achievements include winning the 2004 125cc World Championship, securing 15 *MotoGP* victories, achieving 62 *MotoGP* podiums, and famously finishing as championship runner-up three times (2017, 2018, 2019) in intense battles with *Marc Marquez* while riding for the *Ducati Team*.

Why is Andrea Dovizioso called 'the Professor'?

He is nicknamed 'the Professor' due to his intelligent, calculated riding approach, meticulous attention to detail in bike setup, and strategic race management, which often allowed him to outsmart competitors.

What major teams has Andrea Dovizioso raced for in MotoGP?

In *MotoGP*, Andrea Dovizioso has raced for Factory Honda (*Repsol Honda*), Monster Yamaha Tech 3, the Factory *Ducati Team*, and more recently, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team.