MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso's team boss flattered by factory link

The boss of Andrea Dovizioso’s satellite Honda team has said current rumours linking the Italian with a ride in Honda’s official factory team in 2009 vindicates his decision to sign the former world 125 champion.

JIR Scot Honda rider Dovizioso is already being linked with 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden’s factory RC212V ride next season, with the American out of contract this year.

Dovizioso has spent his entire world championship career with Honda and is well liked by Japanese management.

Hayden’s future is already under discussion after an indifferent start to the campaign, while Repsol team-mate Dani Pedrosa has been in brilliant form to lead the series after four races.

Gianluca Montiron, boss of Dovizioso’s current squad, told MCN: “First of all I’m happy because it means my decision to sign Andrea was quite good. It is satisfying to know we did our job.

“But if somebody requests something, even the factory team, we will discuss it, why not?

Have the early season rumours been unsettling for Dovizioso, who claimed a best result to date of fourth on his debut in Qatar back in March?

“I don’t think so. Andrea doesn’t have so much pressure because it is his first year. I am not worried and I don’t think this will disturb Andrea.

“Perhaps later in the season we will evaluate the reaction of HRC. Rumours will always be created and this is a normal consequence when somebody gets good results.

“If Andrea will leave and join another team it has many questions marks but it is too early to be talking about this,” added Montiron.

See Wednesday’s MCN (May 14, 2008) for a round-up of some early 2009 rumours.