This maybe the case IMO it is not down to the other rider's fear but due to the fact he is at the top of his game and in a real purple patch ,all the great riders have these periods .Bart great skill is the speed he generates on the bike as to racing room I think that is something he creates himself and in most cases affords his fellow riders .
With regards to "fear factor" that is Doyle's stock- in- trade he has used throughout his entire career ,the school bully ended up on his bum last night rightly or wrongly !