MotoGP rookie continues to surprise
Added on Monday, July 21st, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
MotoGP rookie continues to surprise
MotoGP rookie Andrea Dovizioso marked an incredible first half of the season with a solid ride to claim fourth place on his Laguna Seca debut. But despite the result, Dovizioso fears the summer break may hinder his chances of a top five finish in the upcoming races.
Speaking after the race, he said: “The problem is that we are a satellite team; the factory team have improved their package during the season and we couldn´t. So for that reason I am a little bit worried about the second part, when the gap will be bigger. We will have to work hard with Michelin, because they can help us.”
Dovizioso was the first Honda and Michelin rider to cross the line at the Red Bull U.S Grand Prix and has finished in the top five at the last five MotoGP races. The 22-year-old Italian, who rides for the JiR Team Scot satellite team, showed up factory Honda man and former Laguna Seca winner Nicky Hayden, holding off the 2005 and 2006 American round winner for another top-five finish.
“It was a really difficult race, with a gap of 36 seconds between us and the leaders. When I realised that Hayden was running slower, I wanted to pass him, but Laguna is difficult to pass on and I spent four laps trying. Then I pushed to the maximum to pass Hayden and De Puniet, who are strong `brakers´ and who were difficult to pass.
“We are aiming for fifth or even fourth in the World Championship. I am happy to be there at the moment“, he added.
