Andrea Dovizioso closing on LRC Honda deal

Andrea Dovizioso is edging closer to a switch to the LCR Honda squad for 2012.

Talks are at an advanced stage with the 2009 British Grand Prix winner as HRC gets set to slash its factory-backed Repsol squad from three to two bikes next season.

LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello said:”From our side it is clear that we consider this as the best opportunity for us to make a big step forward. Andrea has already showed that he has top potential and it would be an honour to be able to work with him next season.

“It is quite a complicated operation because Andrea is supported with a factory bike in a factory team and of course he would like to continue to have the best material and a bigger structure than we have at the moment. It is something that we working on and we are proposing and discussing this project with our sponsors. But we are fully committed in working in this direction.”