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MotoGP, Immense Dovizioso, last gasp triumph in Losail

The Italian beats out Marquez by just 27 thousandths, Rossi also on the podium, Crutchlow 4th ahead of Petrucci, Morbidelli 12th, DNF for Lorenzo

MotoGP: Immense Dovizioso, last gasp triumph in Losail

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Finally Dovi! For three years in a row, he had to settle for second in Qatar, but this time no one was able to take it from him. Not even a tough character like Marc Marquez who, in classic Austria and Motegi style, tried to throw a spanner in the works on the final corner. It was an A+ Dovizioso at Losail who parried and thrusted, triumphing in a final sprint over the Spaniard by just 27 thousandths.

Andrea waited and stayed hidden; then, five laps from the end, he pulled the pin, snatching the lead from Zarco and taking command. At that moment, the coast seemed to be clear, but there was a certain Marc Marquez behind him who had never even considered giving up. In fact, the six-time world champion tried every which way but loose, putting it all on the line just as he had in Austria and Japan. The rider from the Borgo Panigale based manufacturer proved to be a cold customer, however, pulling out a counter-move to win the race: “It was a perfect weekend – Andrea commented – I expected a lot of fast riders, but in the end I was able to manage the tyres. In the finale battling with Marquez was complicated as usual, but I am very happy with the result.”

And so, all that was left for number 93 was to console himself with a second place finish: “I always give it my all, pushing 100% – the rider from Cervera said – This is a difficult track for me, but I was able to get close to the win anyway. I tried to overtake on the last turn. It’s a pity, maybe one of these days I’ll succeed.”

A rediscovered Valentino Rossi was also on the podium in Losail, leaving the difficulties with the Yamaha from the winter behind: “I expected to be more competitive than last year – the Doctor commented – I knew how competitive Dovi and Marc were, but I am happy with this podium.”

Finishing fourth astride his Honda was Cal Crutchlow ahead of the Ducati ridden by Danilo Petrucci, who suffered with tyre wear on the final laps. It was a sixth place comeback for Maverick Viñales ahead of Johann Zarco who had been in the lead until six laps from the end. Also in the top ten were Iannone and Miller, with twelfth place, on the other hand, for a super Franco Morbidelli, making his MotoGP début. Noteworthy are the crashes by Rins and Lorenzo.

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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