Dovi: surgery on December 4th

As the latest rider to join the factory Ducati team, Andrea Dovizioso has a lot of serious work ahead of him, but this four-wheeled weekend at Monza is only about fun. "Driving these cars in unbelievably enjoyable - the Italian rider revealed - If you asked me to find a negative aspect, I couldn't name one; perhaps the top speed, because it suffers in comparison to the over 300 km/h of MotoGP.  But I could use a little more experience.  Not so much with the driving, but in the mental approach to this type of racing. You must be ready to push hard immediately, to be at 100% from the start.  I made a mistake at the beginning, but then was fast in the second part."

Any thoughts of challenging Rossi have already been forgotten: "Valentino has more experience, he has raced here many times, but tomorrow I'll try to get closer to him.  I've also driver rally cars many times, but not often on asphalt.  You must be clean, but at the same time aggressive, getting the best from the car."

Following this race, Dovizioso will test the Ducati again at Jerez, before participating in the Marco Simoncelli charity event on December 2nd. "I've put together quite a schedule, but I'd also like to spend some time at home with my daughter.  I'll get that chance after December 4th, when I'll have surgery to remove the plate from my right shoulder, which was put there after my injury in January. I'll be forced to get some rest."

Translation by Sean Sedacca