Dovizioso: Pedrosa relationship no concern

The Italian was confirmed at the team last weekend, and he will replace Nicky Hayden in 2009.

Hayden will leave for Ducati after two tense seasons as Pedrosa' teammate. The American suggested at times that Pedrosa got more support than him during his tenure at Honda.

Dovizioso says he is concerned about the power Pedrosa has in the team, but claims he will not have a problem if his relationship with the Spaniard is not good.

"We've made a good contract," Dovizioso told Motosprint. "At a certain point in the season, the HRC rider best-placed in the championship or fighting for the title will be the first one at receiving the best material and developments. This is an important clause.

"There's no point denying that the power held by Pedrosa and (manager, Alberto) Puig worries me. I'd prefer to have a good relationship with Pedrosa, but if he doesn't want that then it certainly won't be a big problem for me."

Dovizioso, who made his MotoGP debut this season, has signed a one-year deal with HRC, and the Italian says it was what both parties wanted.

"We wanted it that way, and they accepted that immediately. We need to evaluate each other: both of us want to put ourselves to the test."