As Andrea Dovizioso finishes off his 2011 pre-season tests in Qatar and before the start of the World Championship, the Italian rider is confident of his chances in the season ahead...
This weekend, the last pre-season tests before the first World Championship race will take place in Qatar. Where do you think you'll be placed in the battle for the championship?
“I believe we can think about the championship because we have a real chance to get it. I really think we have a chance to fight. We still have to improve in some areas and solve the problems with the front end, but I am confident we will be able to do a very good season. But, whether or not we will feature in the actual battle for the championship, we still don’t know”.
The Qatar Grand Prix will last for 4 days, what do you think about this change from the usual schedule?
“I don’t like it very much, because it's too long. I don't think having two days with only one session is the best way to work, but it will be the same for everyone, so it won't be a big problem.”
"I've never seen such fast pre-season tests as the first two sessions we had."
The Repsol Honda Team has some bikes that are working very well up to now. Do you think it will be a fast championship?
“I think this season will be faster and more closely fought than in the past few years. The level of the Hondas and the Yamahas is very similar and there are six riders who use these two brands and who have a great chance to fight for championship victory. I've never seen such fast pre-season tests as the first two sessions we had - this means we're all really motivated and we all want to be in front."
Which are the stronger features of the bike?
“Power, that is undoubtedly the strongest feature, but it is also very strong under breaking. Unfortunately, we still have some trouble with the stability of the rear but the front end works very well. Traction is also good, so I believe the package is really competitive."
What areas do you think most need to be improved?
“We need to solve the problem we found on the front end during the race simulation. We also have to work on the stability in the rear. There is sometimes some rebound and if we find the way to solve it, the bike will be perfect”.
Want more?
- Read more about Andrea Dovizioso here
- Prepare for the new MotoGP season at our Qatar event page here
Repsol
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