MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso plays down 2008 hopes

Honda rookie Andrea Dovizioso has played down his hopes of mounting a serious MotoGP title threat despite the impressive start to his premier class career in Qatar.

The former world 125 champion claimed a morale-boosting fourth place on his MotoGP debut, defeating fellow Italian Valentino Rossi on the last lap.

But the London-based JiR rider, has refused to get carried away and he told MCN: “It’s too early.

“I need to make more races first because in the races a lot will change.

“Fighting with other riders on this bike is difficult and not like 250s. I’m confident but it is too early.”

Andrea Dovizioso, who has been touted as a future candidate for Honda’s factory team, said he would use fellow 250 graduate Jorge Lorenzo as a gauge of his MotoGP success in 2008.

The pair were close rivals in 250GPs and Dovizioso added: “I check all the riders because all the riders are fast in MotoGP.

“But sure I will check Jorge because we have been together in 250s.”