Top five target for Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso’s JIR Scot Honda squad has targeted a top five MotoGP championship finish as rumours persist about the Italian’s future.

Two fourth places in his opening seven races have seen British-based Dovizioso already linked with Nicky Hayden’s factory Honda ride in 2009.

JIR Scot boss Gianluca Montiron said it was too early to formulate plans for next season or get fixed on where Dovizioso future lies heading into this weekend’s British MotoGP at Donington Park.

“We believe in our young rider and we are working to have an even better season next year. I do think that our team can offer technical guarantees to move forward in the same positive direction in 2009.

“I definitely know that Honda is a company that understands the value and skills of a team and right at this moment Honda knows exactly what to do.”

Montiron has also reiterated his target to secure a top five finish in 2008 after a barren spell of results with Japanese duo Makoto Tamada and Shinya Nakano.

“Our aim is to be in the top five in the championship and this remains our target for the season,” added Montiron.

“We wanted to create a team around the sole rider we have in MotoGP to create the ideal conditions for Andrea to thrive in. Andrea has shown to be a very fast rider and consistent.

“He now needs to achieve the necessary experience race-by-race to improve continually and have the perfect feeling with his bike.

“Obviously to do this we are looking forward to a podium finish, which is the main target for us this season. This is his first year in MotoGP so it’s important for this reasons in my opinion to not have an over-aggressive approach. This would not give us the results we are looking for.”