While the Italian manufacturer won its first races since 2010 last year, Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone complained about difficulties getting their 16 Desmosedici to turn.
That was the focus of the 2017 bike, but Dovizioso and his new teammate Jorge Lorenzo couldn’t keep up the pace set by Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales and Honda’s Marc Marquez in the Phillip Island test last week.
Dovizioso ended the three days “not entirely satisfied” in seventh place, 0.699 seconds behind Vinales and one place ahead of Lorenzo.
“If you look at the test and compare it to last year, we’re in a much better position,” said Dovizioso.
“I was competitive in Malaysia, I was competitive [at Phillip Island], and that’s one of my worst tracks.
“We have improved a little compared to last year. We’re pretty quick.
“But on the other hand, we still haven’t improved the negative points enough.
“So I’m not happy when I watch the championship to be competitive on every track.
“We did a great job, but it’s not enough.”
When asked if Ducati had any further updates planned for the final pre-season test in Qatar next month, he replied, “In Qatar it is difficult to have new material.
“It is not possible to bring something with you in two weeks.
“We have to understand what we need to do to improve cornering.”
Dovizioso believes improvements to the bike’s turning could change the fortunes of Ducati as it pursues its first title since Casey Stoner’s championship success in 2007.
“When you’re in the race, everyone has less grip and turning makes a big effect,” he said.
“We can be very strong in many areas, but when cornering is worse than the competition, it is difficult to say given the level we have now with the bikes and drivers.
“That’s why I say, if we touch this point, everything can change.”
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