Dovizioso eager for Pedrosa rivalry

The Italian, who joined the works outfit at the end of this year following a successful debut season in MotoGP with Team JiR Scot, admitted that he has a competitive rivalry with Pedrosa but does not want that to get in the way of the team beating their rival manufacturers.

"We've raced against each other for a long time and he's always beaten me," he told Motosprint. "He is a top rider, but he's always had a better package than mine at his disposal. Now we have the same bike and the same tyres, it will be a nice fight.

"My objective is not to be the top Honda rider: it's to win. Obviously, it's also important to be the top Honda rider because this gives you importance and power, especially when it's time to develop a bike.

"But it's better to think about Rossi and Stoner, rather than Pedrosa. I've realized you must think of the big picture because you may end up being the top Honda rider but only fourth in the championship, and that would definitely be not good."

But Dovizioso says he still has progress to make during pre-season testing before he can challenge for victories.

"I'm not yet in the ideal situation to win," he said. "Obviously, HRC and I are aiming high, but now we still have our problems to solve.

"I still need to find the right feeling and I'm not quick enough to win yet."