Dovizioso: “We’re really close!”

‘DesmoDovi’ takes another top three finish on Day 3 as Ducati come out swinging

It’s been a good Sepang test for Ducati Team rider Andrea Dovizioso, as the Italian has been a constant presence near the top of the timesheets – and has given a lot of positive feedback following the three days. Although still in need of some work in areas such as turning – similar to 2016 – Dovizioso is happy after completing a full program and thinks the Ducati is even closer to the front than last season. ‘DesmoDovi’ put in 56 laps on the final day of testing, with a best of 1:59.553 to put him P3 – behind only Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).

AD04, P3: “We finished the work we had in the program so I’m really happy. It’s never easy in the first test. We received a lot of feedback and go home with a good feeling - from what we tried and how I feel on the bike. I didn’t expect to be this competitive and I’m able to play with the bike, which didn’t happen last year. We have some things to improve, like the middle of the corners. I believe that to fight for the victory we have to improve the turning but we’re really close. Pace on the used tyre was really good and I’m happy. The next test at Phillip Island will be important for me because it’s a completely new track and it’s always harder for me. It’s different and has a lot of fast corners. But it’s nice to go to a completely different track before the season starts, so we’re readier.”