Andrea Dovizioso admits Honda's pace during the Qatar MotoGP race is a concern for the season ahead, despite beating Marc Marquez to the victory at Losail.
Qatar has typically been one of Honda's and Marquez's weaker circuits, with the four-time world champion only winning at the track once in the premier class, back in 2014.
However, Marquez qualified second and fought for the win for the entirety of the 22-lap race, missing victory by just 0.027 seconds, while factory-backed Cal Crutchlow on the LCR bike was just a couple of seconds adrift in fourth, having been in contention for the victory until the final few laps.
When asked if Marquez was his main rival for this year's championship, Dovizioso reiterated that there are several riders capable of being in the hunt, but did concede Marquez's race showed the “reality” of Honda's form.
“[He is] one of, one of [my rivals],” he said.
“I would like [it to just be him], because can be easier, but I think for sure Valentino [Rossi], [Johann] Zarco, maybe Dani [Pedrosa], maybe some other riders to fight for the championship.
“I really believe that, I don't say this because I have to say.
“Yes, I think [Marquez's pace] is the reality,” he added.
“I think we confirm we are more competitive than last year, but this race Honda riders confirm they are better than last year. So looks like in the first round, but we will see.”
Marquez believes Dovizioso will be the main threat in his bid to retain the MotoGP crown, but also thinks the championship fight is wide open – though admitted he doesn't care who he battles.
“Yeah I believe that doesn't matter who, I want to fight for the championship,” he stated.
“This is the target. I don't know and I don't care which name, but it looks like Andrea was the main rival last year, he started this year in a good way, he did a solid pre-season.
“But, yeah, during the pre-season we see many riders fast, many names, but then on the real time always are the same riders: Valentino, [Maverick] Vinales also arrived in Sunday race, Dani was there at the front.
“So, yeah, we'll be there, but at the moments it's the first race, we need to take care of everybody.”
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