Andrea Dovizioso predicts strong Honda challenge

Andrea Dovizioso reckons Honda’s 2011 factory MotoGP line-up is one of its most formidable in years as the Japanese factory seeks to end its barren run of success in the premier class.
HRC has yet to win in the 800cc era and hasn’t won the MotoGP crown since Nicky Hayden’s unforgettably dramatic final round success over Valentino Rossi at Valencia back in 2006.
But Italian Dovizioso, who forms one third of Honda’s 2011 factory attack with Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, believes Honda is in a great position to end Yamaha’s recent domination this year.
Dovizioso said: “We are a really strong team and I think all three of us have the potential to fight for the championship. It will be difficult because the level of the riders is really high with (Jorge) Lorenzo making a good season last year. But we will start this season in a strong position and we need to see how Valentino (Rossi) will be with Ducati too. Ben Spies will be strong but we made a good improvement with the bike last year and I was able to fight for the victory and make a few podiums. That proves we are not far away like before when it was difficult to think about the championship. Dani showed last year the bike has the potential to win. It has been a long time since HRC had a line-up as strong as this and the level of the bike is much higher than before. From the first race we have the possibility to fight for the victory.”