Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso says he will be competitive for the whole of the Phillip Island MotoGP weekend but is concerned that once the rear tyre goes through its first grip drop under race conditions, it could be game over.

The Italian was able to hang on to the leaders for the opening ten laps in Japan last weekend but as soon as his Desmosedici 14.2 starts to lose rear grip, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn.

“We knew in Motegi it was difficult to fight for the podium but for the first ten laps I was there and it was really nice to have that feeling. I pushed really hard but the first drop of the rear tyre I couldn’t stay with them. We have to bring the positive things. Last year we were so far but now we are close to the real podium so I believe we made a great step. We have to try and bring the maximum,” said Doviziso, speaking at Phillip Island.

“Maybe here isn’t the best for me with the style of the track but we made a test in the winter and our lap time was very close to the leaders so I believe we can be competitive during the weekend. Maybe will not be so easy to manage the drop of the rear tyre, still is our negative point as we not able to turn like the Yamaha and the Honda but we can make a good weekend.”