Dovizioso confident he can match Pedrosa

The Italian rider has switched from the satellite JiR Scot squad to the works Honda team for 2009, when he will be partnering former 125 and 250 world champion Pedrosa, who overshadowed teammate Nicky Hayden in the past two seasons.

Dovizioso, who made his MotoGP debut this year, says he is confident he will be able to be a match for the Spaniard.

"To finish ahead of Dani would be important, and I am confident about my chances, but I will be mainly focused on stepping on the podium any time I can, being consistent with my new Honda HRC throughout the season," said Dovizioso.

The Italian is also hopeful he will have a good relationship with Pedrosa.

"Dani is a former 125cc and 250cc world champion and a great rider, but first of all he is a good guy, probably even shyer than I am," Dovizioso was quoted as saying by the official MotoGP website.

"Maybe this is the reason why we don't have a great feeling yet, but we will have a lot of time to know each other.

"I think right now he is not reaching his level on the road, maybe also because of his manager," added Dovizioso, referring to Alberto Puig, who had a war of words with Hayden earlier this year.