Marlboro Ducati's Valentino Rossi achieved his main goal of today's MotoGP race at Le Mans by beating arch-rival Jorge Lorenzo and leaves the track pleased despite being mugged by Andrea Dovizioso on the last lap for second place.
It is the first time Rossi has stood on the podium wearing leathers with Ducati stitched to them and The Doctor says it will boost morale in the team and help them to be stronger in subsequent rounds. He also said he lost concentration which allowed Dovizioso through but then he would, wouldn't he...
“We’re very pleased with this podium because we’re on the right path, and especially because I had fun today. I rode the Desmosedici well, I was fast in the technical parts of the track, I felt good from start to finish and I had good lap times," said The Doctor.
"This morning we made a last change to the setting together with Jeremy and the guys from Ducati, and it helped cut another couple of tenths. I knew I could beat Lorenzo, so that was my goal. I also passed Dovi at one point, but I got a little confused and made a move on the penultimate lap instead of the last one.
"I lost my concentration momentarily, but in short, he got me again. Anyway, it’s fine like this; I’m happy for myself, for my team, for Filippo (Preziosi), and for all the boys at Ducati. This result boosts our morale. We still have to keep working and improving though, because there’s more to be done.
"I also have to improve and keep adapting my style to the Ducati, because I’m still not riding it as I should, but in the meanwhile, we’ll enjoy today’s nice race and podium.”
