Source: Supplied.

Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso has expressed his satisfaction of his pre-season preparations on the eve of the 2018 MotoGP World Champion opener in Losail, Qatar.

The Italian ace emphasised he’s reached a very satisfying feeling with the Desmosedici GP18 machine over the three tests, and is looking to play on the fact that the Ducati has performed strongly at the Qatar circuit in recent years.

“I’m actually very satisfied with the feeling that I have reached with the Desmosedici GP18 during the last three test sessions,” Dovizioso commented. “We have always been very quick and I’m happy with the work done in Ducati over the winter. At Losail our bike has always worked well and this year it seems it’s going even better, so I’m very confident for the first GP of the season.

“We still have to improve some aspects for the race and a lot will depend on the conditions we will find during the weekend, because in Qatar things can change rapidly, but I believe I have the right experience to manage every situation.”

Dovizioso, who finished runner-up in the 2017 championship, acknowledged the strong line-up of competitive racers this year, however he’s very assertive of his focus and is eager to start the series in a positive manner.

“This year there are many very quick and competitive riders and I know the strong points of our bike as well as the aspects we still have to improve, but I’m very focussed and ready to start the season in a great way.”

Practice is scheduled to kick-off today in Qatar, before qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday.