Dovi claims Austrian MotoGP

Andrea Dovizioso scored a fantastic win in the Austrian Grand Prix to move into second place in the championship behind leader Marc Marquez.Andrea Dovizioso scored his first win behind the radical new aero of the Ducati Desmosedici GP, after powering to a spectacular and truly memorable win in the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring circuit near Spielberg.

The Ducati Team’s Italian rider, who started from the front row of the grid after going second quickest in qualifying, rode a masterful race to always stay in the leading group, then taking the lead from Marc Marquez on lap 18. Andrea was then passed by Marquez but was back in the lead again on lap 22 and he held on to that position until the chequered flag, despite a last-ditch attempt by the Spanish rider in the final corner.

“It was a crazy race, Dovizioso said post race. “But to be honest the whole weekend was incredible, and in particular the final curve of the last lap, but I managed to remain clear headed and was aware that Marquez was going to try and pass me. It was a very difficult situation because if Marc had closed the door coming out of the corner, he would have forced me out and passed me. Instead I was able to resist his attack and I went on to win! We had a great race, we’re making up points in the championship, and we’ve got all the right cards to fight for the title.”

Thanks to the 25 points’ haul for today’s win, his third of the season, Dovizioso has moved into second place in the overall championship standings, reducing the gap from leader Marquez to 16 points.

“I wouldn’t have slept well tonight if I didn’t try to go for the win in the last corner! Marquez said. Today Dovi had just a little bit more than us and it was difficult to overtake him. I tried my best all race, really gave it my all, and I lost the rear many times. It was a great battle, and Dovi deserved this victory as he rode very well. We got this second place and it’s good. I’m very happy with these 20 points at this track where I had struggled a lot last year. It’s an important result for the Championship [and] it will be important to continue like this and to try and be on the podium at every race.”

Marquez and teammate, Dani Pedrosa, scored the third consecutive double podium finish for the Repsol Honda team and their sixth of the season. With only 16 points separating Marquez from Dovizioso’s challenge for the title, the 2017 championship is still too close to call with four rounds left to be raced. With Yamaha’s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi also within striking distance of the top, 2017 is proving to be another tight year for the MotoGP championship.

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