Andrea Dovizioso says he is not worried about speculation linking Casey Stoner to a switch to the factory Honda HRC squad in 2011, adding that he is focused on improving his own position in the team.
Stoner is believed to have been offered a ride by HRC for next season, replacing either Dani Pedrosa or Dovizioso, both of whom are on one-year contracts that conclude at the end of 2010. Gresini's Marco Simoncelli also holds an HRC contract and rides a factory RC212V prepared by the Italian squad.
But while Dovizioso accepts he is under pressure to keep his ride, last year's British Grand Prix winner says the best way to do this is keep delivering results.
"Unfortunately now, I am still one of the fastest riders but I have not been given the potential to decide my future [until now]," said Dovizioso. "Anyway before you think about the future you need to do the results. Now I have had three podiums in four races so that is good, but not enough. We know it is not enough for the future, I need to do more, but in my position I am not afraid about the future."
Dovizioso says he is happy with his relationship with HRC and believes that it will maintain its links with him. When asked if he was concerned about the Stoner rumors, he replied: "I don't know, I don't think so."
"Not based on what Honda say to me, and I have a really good relationship with them," he added. "I am not afraid because it doesn't change anything for me."