SEPANG: Italian Andrea Dovizioso has fond memories of the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
It was at Sepang in 2008 that the Ducati rider clinched his first podium finish, his first season in the premier class.
And he has been unbeatable here over the past two years, winning in emphatic fashion in 2016 and 2017.
This time, Dovizioso, however, is aware that his team need to prove they are just as strong in the dry if they are to win it for a third time in a row.
"I remember that year (2008) very well, it was my first season in MotoGP and I had a very tough fight with (late) Nicky Hayden," said the 32-year-old.
"We were braking hard until the last corner, it was nice to arrive (at the finish line) first. It was definitely a good feeling.
"I think this is a really good track for us but if you look at the results in the past, we did not really achieve great results in the dry. When we won here in the last two years, it was wet.
"So it will be important to do the same in the dry, it will be interesting to see how we do in terms of speed."
Dovizioso was forced to concede the World Championship title to Spaniard Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) after crashing at Motegi but acknowledged the improvements Ducati have made this season.
He, however, stressed the need for further gains to allow him a realistic shot at the title next year.
"For sure this year was better (than 2017), we showed good improvement from the second half of the season.
"But it was not enough, we couldn't really fight for victory.
"The bike needs to be improved more but I myself also need to improve in terms of positioning on the bike and riding style."
Dovizioso, who joined Ducati in 2013, is currently second in the overall standings with 210 points.
He had in May signed a new contract which will see him remain with Ducati until the end of 2020.
