Dovi denies Pedrosa rivalry
Added on Monday, November 10th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Dovi denies Pedrosa rivalry
Repsol Honda new-comer Andrea Dovizioso believes that he can match teammate Dani Pedrosa but is looking to avoid a rocky relationship with the Spaniard.
The Italian, who impressed enough in his rookie season to earn a ride with the works Honda team for 2009, is keen to avoid a repeat of the situation at the team last season which saw a difficult relationship between Pedrosa and now-Ducati rider Nicky Hayden.
Hayden, who became increasingly critical of Pedrosa and his representative Alberto Puig, was eventually forced out by management at HRC.
But Dovizioso has moved quickly to deny suggestions that he is planning on becoming a rival to Pedrosa, claiming that his own personal goals are more important.
“To finish ahead of Dani would be important, and I am confident about my chances, but I will be mainly focused on stepping on the podium any time I can, being consistent with my new Honda HRC throughout the season,” Dovizioso told MotoGP.com.
“Dani is a former 125cc and 250cc world champion and a great rider, but first of all he is a good guy, probably even shyer than I am,” he added.
“Maybe this is the reason why we don’t have a great feeling yet, but we will have a lot of time to know each other.”
