MotoGP news

Dovizioso enjoys first day at Repsol Honda

Less than 24 hours after the 2008 MotoGP season ended at Valencia yesterday afternoon, the Repsol Honda Team began its preparation for the 2009 World Championship with Dani Pedrosa and new recruit Andrea Dovizioso.

Dovizioso began his first session on the factory RCV at 11.30am, just minutes after Pedrosa had taken to the track. Both men rode 2008 RC212V machines fitted with new-spec Bridgestone tyres. Dovizioso's bikes also featured revised handlebar/footrest positions to suit his stature.

Speaking about his first day at Repsol Honda Andrea Dovizioso commented: "It's been a really exciting day. The bike feels good, it feels like an evolution of my 2008 bike, like a step forward, which is what I expected, so I'm happy. Compared to my 08 bike, the factory bike has many positive points, in particular the engine is both smoother and more powerful. Right from the start the stability at the front was very good.

"With the electronics, I need more time to learn and understand them, especially traction control as there are so many settings. I also tried Bridgestone tyres for the first time today, they seem fine, but I need to slightly adapt my riding style to get the best from them. All in all it was a positive first day but I still have a lot to learn. With my new team we start working step by step and I like this system."

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