Andrea Dovizioso of Repsol Honda aims to perform well at Phillip Island for HRC – MotoGP news
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso is completely focused to deliver an outstanding performance at the Iveco Australian Grand Prix, to hand over success to HRC as it is his last season in the team.
The Italian rider has been released by HRC for the 2012 MotoGP season, after Honda reduced its budget for next season. With the last three races in the season, he wants to make his mark in the team and for his fans that have encouraged him throughout.
Dovizioso said, “Phillip Island is a nice circuit set in a unique location. Last year the race was not as we expected as I had a technical problem that prevented me to fight for the podium. My target this time is to return on the podium and gain some points
in order to retain the third position in the Championship.”
Last time at Motegi, he was penalised with ‘ride through’ penalty which cost him the podium finish. Though he is still third in the 2011 world championship but the last win for teammate Dani Pedrosa has shortened the gap between them.
Dovizioso said, “Phillip Island is a demanding track and in the past I have struggled quiet a lot. The real issue is with the weather, the strong winds, rain and cold temperatures have often complicated the race.”
Every rider in the MotoGP is worried about the weather conditions at Phillip Island, which is also an issue for Dovizioso. In previous seasons, he has been struggling with the nature’s fury which toughens the race.
He commented on the track’s technicality that the circuit requires a push-hard riding style. The bike tends to slide from the rear a lot during fast direction changes.
The orientation of the track is very lively as it is situated on the beach side and the fans gather for a very high adrenaline rushed crowd.
After his end with HRC, Dovizioso has now signed a deal with Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for 2012 season. He will be teaming up with Cal Crutchlow aboard 1000cc M1s. The Italian has raced with HRC since he debuted in grand prix racing in 2002.
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