Dovizioso relishing chance to test himself against Pedrosa
Added on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Dovi in testing with Repsol Honda.
Honda new-boy Andrea Dovizioso is looking forward to competing with teammate Dani Pedrosa on a level footing in 2009 and anticipates a strong rivalry with the Spaniard in the coming season.
Dovizioso will start the season as a dark horse contender for the MotoGP championship next season after a string of impressive performance with JiR Scott last season earned him a ride on the factory Honda alongside Pedrosa.
It’s the first time that the 22-year-old will have a factory machine since joining the 125 competition in 2001 and the Italian is looking forward to a friendly rivalry with a man who has previously enjoyed success over him as a factory rider.
“We’ve raced against each other for a long time and he’s always beaten me,” Dovizioso told Motosprint. “He is a top rider, but he’s always had a better package than mine at his disposal. Now we have the same bike and the same tyres, it will be a nice fight.
“My objective is not to be the top Honda rider: it’s to win. Obviously, it’s also important to be the top Honda rider because this gives you importance and power, especially when it’s time to develop a bike.
“But it’s better to think about Rossi and Stoner, rather than Pedrosa. I’ve realized you must think of the big picture because you may end up being the top Honda rider but only fourth in the championship, and that would definitely be not good.”
But Dovizioso admitted that he still has progress to make during pre-season testing before he can challenge for victories.
“I’m not yet in the ideal situation to win,” he said. “Obviously, HRC and I are aiming high, but now we still have our problems to solve.
“I still need to find the right feeling and I’m not quick enough to win yet.”
