Mugello MotoGP: Emotional Andrea Dovizioso toasts third

Andrea Dovizioso could not fight back tears after he claimed an emotional maiden home MotoGP podium in Mugello yesterday.

The Repsol Honda rider held third for the opening two laps before he brilliantly passed series leader Jorge Lorenzo on the brakes at the first corner on lap three.
Lorenzo needed just three more laps to pull off the same move and despite his best efforts, Dovizioso was unable to get close enough to the Spaniard to try and secure second spot.

Dovizioso though has now scored three podium finishes in the opening four races and he admitted the occasion had got the better of him on podium.

“On the podium I cried a lot because it was a nice and new emotion for me. The podium in MotoGP in Mugello is unbelievable. I always had to watch it on the TV in the garage!  I am happy because this is the third podium and so important for the championship.

“Our speed wasn’t enough because Dani (Pedrosa) won and sure we can make better. We need to study and see how we can make better because we are always close to the fastest rider but never able to fight for the victory. We’re missing the last step and want to make it this year as soon as possible.

“We are working really hard and now we are getting the results. We changed a lot during the winter. We are not perfect but Dani and I have worked really hard and now we are getting the results. That’s why we are always close to win the race but it is still not enough to fight for every race with Lorenzo. I wanted to finish the race fighting with Lorenzo because I think it could have been a good battle on the last lap, but I couldn’t catch him.

“Three podium finishes is a good start to the season and is very important for the championship, and it’s thanks to the hard work we’ve done over the winter and in the first races. I’d like to say congratulations to Dani on the win because he had an incredible pace, and this is an extra motivation for us to take that extra step forward so we can fight for the win”.

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