Dovizioso confident of strong race pace

The result equalled the Italian rookie's best MotoGP qualifying effort to date, and came as a relief to the team after Dovizioso had struggled with the bike's handling in practice.

"After a first day in which Andrea explained that it was difficult for him to handle the front end of the bike, we have worked together to solve the problem and this allows us to run lap times in race configuration which make us think positive thoughts for tomorrow's race," said JiR technical director Gianni Berti.

"We did better in qualifying too today, although we still have room to improve. During warm-up we have just some small things to do."

Dovizioso was also buoyed by his times in race trim.

"We did much better today and I was able to constantly lap with the pace in the low 1:43 bracket, which allows me to stay with the leaders," he said.

"This is why I think that tomorrow we will have a good race as the small troubles I had with the front end of the bike have been reduced.

"I'm very satisfied with our performance even on qualifying tyres and at least I can now say that I've made a step forward."

He does not think today's qualifying form will necessarily translate into the race - predicting that Valentino Rossi will come through from ninth on the grid to fight for victory, while some of the drivers around him on the second and third rows could fade.

"I think the people who will be competitive in the race will be (Dani) Pedrosa, Rossi and (Casey) Stoner up front," said Dovizioso.

"On the other hand, some other riders who did well in qualifying today may not be so competitive in the race.

"Tomorrow the tyre choice is important according to the temperature and the overall weather conditions. In fact, what has been apparent over the last two days is how the conditions can change the grip levels so much."