Dovizioso has clear objectives for Sepang and 2010

The first official MotoGP Test of the year at Sepang next week will bring together those who will be involved in the premier class in 2010, as they try out their new bikes for the forthcoming season.

Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso will be amongst them as he prepares for his third year in the top flight of the World Championship – his second on the factory Honda – and the 23 year-old is aiming for an improvement on his 2009 season, despite securing his first MotoGP podium and sixth place in the standings.

“For me 2009 was a year with various problems and very disappointing, but also an experience that I must use to grow,” Dovizioso explained to motogp.com. “Now we must work hard to be able to join the top four riders in the category. I ride for HRC so therefore I can achieve it.”

Looking forward to the Sepang Test, Dovizioso stated: “I am ready to start. I can’t wait to get to Malaysia because I like the track, and we must start work with the new changes about which I’m very excited. We have much to do but I feel strong. The objective is to have a better season than last year and to have a better feeling with the bike.”

“I know the developments we will arrive at Sepang with, now it is necessary to put them into practice because it hasn’t been possible until now. There will be new electronics that we must adapt to my riding style, and developments in the chassis that we must also find a new set-up for. As there are not many days of testing we must make the most of the time we have because there is much work ahead of us.”

A third year for Dovizioso will see him become something of a veteran in the premier class, and also share the track with a host of new talent. Marco Simoncelli, Álvaro Bautista, Hiroshi Aoyama and Héctor Barberá all make the move up, whilst Ben Spies will also arrive. It was the American whose finish of seventh place at Valencia as a wildcard in the final race of 2009 helped push Dovizioso down a place to sixth overall.

“This year the level of riders is probably higher,” said the Italian. “Aside from the top four, there are many others who are capable of being up there. The rookies have talent, but without experience it’s difficult to achieve notable results. MotoGP is hard but I think almost everyone can do well, from Marco Melandri who returns to Honda, to Simoncelli, Bautista and Aoyama.”

And adding his thoughts on the planned switch to 1000cc capacity engines in 2012, Dovizioso said: “The regulations aren’t definitive yet, so we’ll analyse them when they’re official. Personally I’m not opposed, as long as the modifications are made to reduce costs. If not, there is not much sense in changing them. I have tried a 1000cc before but never competed on one. I think those who have raced on these before will have a small advantage, but I don’t think there will be big differences.”