Ducati "did not lose the championship" at Aragon - Dall'Igna

Andrea Dovizioso arrived in Aragon level on points with Marquez at the head of the championship standings, but now trails his rival by 16 points after managing only to finish seventh in Spain.

The Italian rider admitted that the result was down to the Ducati GP17 losing too much at three specific points of the Motorland track, which has historically not been favourable to the Bologna marque.

Dovizioso also said that Friday's practice session being held in the wet penalised him in particular, denying him crucial set-up time, but was adamant that the swing towards Marquez in the standings is "not a drama".

This view is reflected by Dall'Igna, who told Gazzetta dello Sport that Dovizioso remains "motivated" to overturn the deficit to the reigning champion in the remaining four races of the season.

"We did not lose the championship on Sunday," Dall'Igna said. "I remain convinced that we will have plenty to say from now until the end.

"We knew that for Andrea and our bike that Aragon would be difficult, and the time lost on Friday maybe was more important for us than for the others.

"After the race we spoke a bit, and to me he seemed as motivated as ever. When you find yourself fighting an opponent like this, you cannot be too worried."

Dall'Igna also highlighted how hard Marquez - who crashed out of qualifying in Aragon - is having to push as evidence of how easily the complexion of the title race could change in the coming races.

"Marc is a rider who takes a lot of risks, and only wants a result," the Italian said. "Dealing with someone like this can be difficult, as we have seen.

"I don't think he has a lot of margin, and for this reason he's taken many risks. Someone who is making so many errors is always travelling close to the limit."

Additional reporting by Matteo Nugnes