Dovizioso: the title? I can win it

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It is now just a matter of days before the start of the MotoGP season. Following the two tests in Sepang, Sunday will mark the beginning of the Qatar session, running through Monday. From there it's just two more days until the start of the season, with free practice getting underway on Thursday.

Most are expecting an in-house Honda battle between Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, but it would be wise to count out their Repsol Honda teammate, Andrea Dovizioso.

"I believe we can think about the championship, because we have a good possibility of competing for it - Dovizioso said recently - The current situation is that I'm not as fast as Dani and Casey, particularly on a flying lap, but also a little bit on race pace. We have done both tests on the same circuit, so we need to see what the level will be on another track, and what the gap will be to the competition. I think we have a good possibility of fighting with them. We still need to improve in some areas, and solve the problems with the front end, but I'm sure I will have a very good season. I still can't say for sure if I'll be fighting for the championship."

Much like Casey Stoner, the Italian isn't enthusiastic about the Thursday practice session for Qatar.

“I'm not happy about the schedule in Qatar. It's too long. I don't think two days with one session each is a positive thing, or the best way to work. But it will be equal for everyone."

Dovizioso expects a hard fought championship.

"This season will be very competitive because there are six riders, from two factories, Honda and Yamaha, that are very close. We also need to consider Valentino, because we all know what he can do. As far as there being three riders at HRC, it's definitely a good form of motivation."

Also because the Honda looks like the bike to beat this year.

“The RC212V is very powerful, and it also brakes very well - the Italian rider confirmed - unfortunately there are still some problems with stability in the rear end. The traction is good too though. I think the rear end instability comes from the clutch, because the engine braking is much better after the second test, and the 2011 suspension is excellent. There is a slight vibration/chattering, but it's minimal and doesn't even show up on the telemetry."