Dovizioso happy with cautious start

The JiR Team Scot rider spent this week's test at Valencia getting used to the differences between the MotoGP bike and the 250cc machine he raced in 2007, but he was happy with what he achieved in Spain.

"This test was only for me to get a feel for the bike, and I think it's been a success," he said. "We made some good progress and it has helped me understand many things.

"I was finding some of the limits of the bike for me, and areas where we need to improve in Malaysia.

"I'm looking forward to Malaysia, as I don't like the circuit layout at Valencia so much and I think Malaysia will suit me more."

Team director Gianluca Montiron was happy with Dovizioso's mentality at the test, as he was not too concerned about laptimes at this stage of the winter.

"I think the team should be satisfied about the approach of Andrea over this test as he has proceeded step-by-step to understand this bike," he said.

"He was very intelligent in the way he went about his work, and each time he was back on track he seemed more comfortable with the machine.

"All through these tests our target isn't to break lap records but to help Andrea understand the new machine."

Dovizioso was 14th fastest on the second day of testing at Valencia, 1.9 seconds slower than pace-setter Casey Stoner.