HRC expects Andrea Dovizioso to sign LCR Honda deal for 2012 season – MotoGP news
HRC boss Livio Suppo is positive that Andrea Dovizioso will sign the 2012 deal with LCR Honda.
The Italian Repsol Honda rider has proved his worth since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season.
Dovizioso has scored five podium finishes and stood in top five slots in 12 rounds of the season. He finished 12th once
in Jerez and holds a single ‘did not finish’ status from the last Aragon round.
The Italian’s manager Simone Batistella has talked to Monster Yamaha Tech3, Rizla Suzuki and Mapfre Aspar teams about the deal for the next season.
HRC boss, Livio Suppo talked to MCN and said, “We know that Lucio’s first option is Dovi and we are trying to close this deal. It is not an easy task but we are trying our best to put this deal together.”
The problem occurred when HRC decided to reduce its number of bikes on the gird. The Japanese company will retain two factory bikes under Repsol Honda for Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.
The third factory setup bike might stay with Marco Simoncelli under San Carlo Honda Gresini. Meanwhile, other two satellite setups will be with Honda Gresini and LCR Honda.
In wake of the global financial crisis, HRC has significantly reduced the budget for its MotoGP project.
Suppo further added, “Hopefully Lucio’s partners will realise they have a big opportunity to make a big step next year after a difficult season. From HRC we are trying to help as much as possible on the technical side to provide him full support and I am
hopeful we will be able to do it. Everybody is doing their best, including Andrea.”
However, calling in Dovizioso for 2012 will be a big benefit for the team and the crucial sponsors. The Italian rider holds strong potential to be successful with a good setup.
Although he likes to stay with HRC but if he gets a better option to ride a factory setup, he might be convinced to move ahead.
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