Dovizioso worried about Honda's speed

The works Repsol team trailed not only main rivals Ducati and Yamaha, but also the resurgent Suzuki team, at both Sepang and Losail.

Dovizioso, who joined the factory squad from the satellite JiR Scot team over the winter, has also had to carry out most of Repsol Honda's development single-handedly due to teammate Dani Pedrosa's injuries.

The Italian said he was concerned by Honda's apparent lack of speed, and thinks he is more unhappy with the package than Pedrosa.

"It's early to tell, but I expected a more competitive package," Dovizioso told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't know how much that's down to Pedrosa and how much down to Honda. My understanding is that I think he doesn't want many changes."

He feels that Honda currently have several areas that require attention.

"We have a few little problems, especially with rear stability under braking, but also engine power output," said Dovizioso.

"There's also work to do on the clutch. We are slow at turn entry and in Qatar, with cold and damp conditions, the bike would slide a lot under braking."

Dovizioso believes Honda are making progress, but not rapidly enough for his liking.

"I'm happy with the improvements, but they are late," he said. "We have taken too long to see small progress. We need to react more quickly."