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MotoGP, Dovizioso: "We can fight for the podium and the win at Losail"

Andrea reveals: "A lot will depend on the weather, but I'm definitely calmer and more experienced than in the past"

MotoGP: Dovizioso: "We can fight for the podium and the win at Losail"

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He's one of the favourites for the win in Qatar. Andrea Dovizioso's looking confident on the eve of the inaugural found. A lot will depend on track conditions though, an unknown for all the riders right nowi. The Italian prefers to remain focused on the Ducati, with the aim of taking it one step at a time.    

It's time to start once again.

“I'm really pumped up, because there's always the desire to race after the winter. The tests were strange, all three of them, especially in Qatar with the different conditions. We've proved to be competitive, though there's a risk of rain each day”.

What do you still need to do?

“We will do some small set-up tests, weather permitting. If we don't have the ideal conditions, we'll just have to adapt”.

What more does Dovi have in 2017?

“I've added several tiles, like experience, this is my fifth year with Ducati. Having achieved significant results, these little details help to make the difference. I'm calm, we just need to continue to improve the Dovi-Ducati package”.

You've said you're feeling calmer?

Sure, due to the way last season ended but also considering the work done over the winter”.

How are you feeling ahead of the opening race?

“We're more competitive than we were in 2016, we can fight for the podium and the race win, a lot will also depend on the weather we'll have over the weekend. Unfortunately, a lack of stable conditions will impact on our work and on grip particularly. I think I have good confidence with the GP17 and want to take it one race at a time”.

What are you still missing?

“It's not easy to solve, it's not just the approach to the weekend, but other small aspects”.

You're sharing the garage with Lorenzo. How is your relationship?

Jorge has won a great deal and the track suits his style. We have a good relationship, we've discussed some details, with the aim of finding the ideal improvements".

What does Lorenzo bring?

Ducati gains the experience of a rider who's raced for many years with a different bike, this is definitely an advantage. Then there is confirmation of certain aspect we need to improve, evaluating them race by race. On the flying lap, Jorge is competitive but he's not one of the strongest when it comes to pace. This will be another motive to do well”.

You've spent many seasons as rivals.

“Sure, we've raced in the same category for many years, even in the 2001 European championship. He's been strong throughout his career and it will exciting to line up alongside him”.

Are expectations different compared to 2016?

I don't have different expectations, because I think I know the bike well”.

Will we see the new fairing?

“We don't have a definitive answer, but never say never. We may also take about set-up, with regard to the fairing, as it might be inserted at any time”.

What do they say about the weather?

“If it rains, we'll test in wet conditions. As long as there are no grip or visibility issues, we'll race as usual”.

What do you expect from the race?

“A lot, I'm ready, the bike is fast. I want to take it one weekend at a time, bringing home the maximum each race, It's impossible to make any predictions as we have no idea about the weather”.      

Translated by Heather Watson
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