Dovizioso: Austin podium 'would count as a win'

Andrea Dovizioso hasn't been on the Austin MotoGP podium since 2015.

But a competitive showing last time in Argentina - another traditionally tough track for Ducati - means the Italian is confident of achieving his target of rostrums in all three opening flyaway rounds.

Victory in Qatar, then third at Termas de Rio Hondo has put Dovizioso four points behind early title leader Marc Marquez (Honda)… who has never been beaten during MotoGP's six visits to COTA.

"The way in which we worked in Argentina will be a good starting point for our next race at Austin," Dovizioso said.

"Even though the track is not the most suitable for us, I'm confident that, if we manage to improve in each session as we did at Termas de Río Hondo, we'll be competitive come race time, which is the most important thing.

"Our goal at Austin is to step once again on the podium, which in some ways would count as much as a win, but we'll need to assess the state of the track before we make any predictions.

"Last year the tarmac was really bumpy, and I hope the situation has improved since then. We know each race is a different story, so we just need to stay positive and focused, continuing to work as we did so far."

Dovizioso took 1-6-5 finishes in the opening flyaway events last season, which he went on to finish as title runner-up to Marquez for the second year running.