Dovizioso finished the test 14th out of the 17 rider, but the double 250cc title runner-up slashed 0.769secs from his best Tuesday lap time and already has a list of things to work on at Sepang next week.
"Today I was finding some of the limits of the bike for me, and areas where we need to improve in Malaysia," said the JiR Team Scot rider. "For me the engine braking and slipper clutch is something we need to look at and also my confidence in the front-end of the RC212V is not 100% so we also need to understand more about that.
"We tried many different things today, including some different suspension settings and front and rear race tyres from Michelin so we could understand more about riding here at Valencia. This test was only for me to get a 'feel' for this bike, and I think it's been a success. I'm looking forward to Malaysia though, as I don't like the circuit layout at Valencia so much and I think Malaysia will suit me better!" he declared.
Dovizioso is one of three 250cc stars moving to
MotoGP next year; double world champion
Jorge Lorenzo left Valencia 11th fastest with
Alex de Angelis just behind Dovizioso in 15th.
"After this test things are a little clearer as to how we need to work to move forward to enable the team and Andrea to be able to improve the setting of a
MotoGP bike to suit his style," confirmed team director Gianluca Montiron. "It's very different to a 250, but we as a team will learn together to find the best plan for our winter test schedule. Our next test is next week in Malaysia and we will use our 2008 bike at the test in Sepang next January. All through these tests our target isn't to break lap records but to help Andrea understand the new machine. By the time we are in
Jerez for the final test of this season we will have a clear vision and set-up for the bike and Andrea."
