He may carry the number four as his racing number aboard his Repsol Honda and that wont not change overnight for Andrea Dovizioso, however the gifted Italian rider has seen enough of the number four this season and now really wants to end his recent series of fourth place finishes at Laguna Seca this weekend.

The Honda star placed fourth at Laguna Seca last year as he made his US debut and has finished in that position on seven occasions since joining the premier class at the beginning of the 2008 season.

Andrea Dovizioso is currently placed fourth in the World Championship standings with three successive fourth place finishes to his name before Assen where he crashed out, the fourth place results came at Catalunya, Le Mans and Mugello.

So far his stay in the premier class has resulted with just the one podium appearance, Dovizioso knows that now is the time to step things up a notch. Looking ahead to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix he said, “I really look forward to the race in Laguna Seca. The track itself and the whole atmosphere makes coming to Laguna a fascinating experience. Last year was the first time that I had raced in the United States and I was impressed by this track. Some parts are quite dangerous and very different from the European standard of racetracks we are used to, but the whole atmosphere is incredible and I like it a lot. I’m confident that we can have a good race here.”

Dovizioso then added, “Last year I had a good battle and finished fourth, which I was pleased with. I feel as though I’ve come fourth enough times this year though, however, so I hope to make the step up. At each race we’re getting closer to the leading riders but we’re still not close enough yet. So we have to work hard to get the speed and consistency we need.”