Image: Supplied.

Andrea Dovizioso says his mentality has shifted to securing runner-up honours in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, conceding his fight for the crown is over as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) leads by 93 points with just six rounds to go.

The Ducati Team rider has a firm grip on second heading into Aragon’s 14th round this weekend, holding down a 31-point advantage over teammate Danilo Petrucci.

“I think this mentality started already some races ago, because yes we had some bad luck in some races and it wasn’t our fault, but at the end, every race Marc fights for the victory and he´s the only rider able to do that,” Dovizioso explained at the pre-race press conference.

“So if we want to fight for the championship we have to do something more than what we did – that is clear. So we have to improve our situation. For sure the second position in the championship is very important and we will try until the end.

“But we know Yamaha and especially Rins can be really strong until the end of the season. So we have to be careful about that, take points, and work for the future. It´s the best thing we can do, and this is the mentality.”

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP duo Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi sit in positions four, five and six, with just 20 points separating them. The trio are within striking distance of third’s Petrucci.