Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso goes into his home MotoGP round this weekend full of confidence as test rider Michele Pirro has already turned in fast lap times on the newly-surfaced track.

Dovizioso currently lies second in the title chase, three points behind relative newcomer Fabio Quartararo ahead of two races at Misano which have been a happy hunting ground for Yamaha due to the flowing nature of the Rimini Riviera track.

"We have a lot of expectations from these two consecutive Grands Prix at Misano circuit," said Dovizioso.

"We are very determined to return fighting for the podium, but first, it will be crucial to understand the new conditions of the track, since it has been recently resurfaced.

"At the end of June, Michele Pirro took part in a test here in Misano, and he managed to have good lap times, and this makes us quite confident.

"Apart from the two races, we will also have a day of testing on 15th September, between the two Grands Prix. It will be important to make the most of this opportunity."