'The Doctor' made it to the second step of the podium on a sunny and warm day, having ridden at a pace that was second only to that of his next year's team mate at Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo. The first start was cancelled, but the Italian had a fantastic start when the red lights went out for the second time, and after the first turn he occupied second place. From there, he held off attacks from German LCR Honda rider Stefan Bradl and then Spanish San Carlo Honda rider Alvaro Bautista before taking the chequered flag.
Valentino Rossi
“It was a really nice race, and I’m very happy. It’s a great result, which I’d like to dedicate to Sic and his family, Paolo, Rossella, and Martina. I’d also like to thank all the guys who work with me and everyone at Ducati Corse who are giving their best, like me: after two difficult years, we really needed that. I’m very pleased because we did a dry race at a high level, always with a fast pace, and with a limited gap to Lorenzo. We worked well. The new frame and swingarm allow us to make more changes to the geometry, and in fact here the feeling with the front was improved and the bike also seemed to be better balanced on acceleration. The setup that we found was also good, as I managed to be fast and consistent for the whole race. It will be important to continue working well and do our best to take the Ducati as high as possible in the next races as well.”
Press release courtesy of Ducati Team.
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