“In the afternoon the lap time wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t like the fastest. Every Ducati didn’t have the same speed as the competitor. I’m a bit disappointed.”

Considering the Sachsenring – a track that has witnessed nine consecutive Marquez victories from 2010 to 2018 – is just a week away, has Dovizioso placed greater emphasis on outscoring Marquez in the Netherlands?

“For sure,” he said. “For sure it will be very important but we will do what we can do. At the moment it’s a bit difficult. Also at the moment Marc struggles a little bit but not like us.

“The Yamaha and Suzuki look a bit stronger. But the race is very long. The start will affect a lot the race. We will see what can happen. I’m not too happy about the speed that we have.”

The 33-year old was equipped with a chassis evolution on Saturday, a detail he believes aids him when entering the corner - a positive aspect, no doubt. But Dovizioso reminded onlookers “that can’t change the situation.”

“You know, I already explained that in the race you can understand better these details because when you change something like that it’s impossible to have a big change. I expected to not have a big change in the test and yesterday.

“I feel better. I feel good. I think it was positive to have that, but that can’t change the situation. I think we have to work more in that area to try to understand what we have to change.”

2018 produced one of the all-time great MotoGP encounters, as high temperatures, winds, and soft tyre choices led to a memorable eight-rider fracas.

According to Dovizioso the chances of this reoccurring are dependent on his – and other Ducatis – starting well, and disrupting the possible early rhythm of the front four.

“I don’t know because there are some fast riders in front. But also Marc is on the limit but he will make a strategy so we will see. It depends a lot from our start and in which position I am at the beginning of the race.

“Anything can happen, especially at this track. But it’s not too easy to overtake and there are a lot of changes in direction so really anything can happen.”