Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso saw his target of finishing yesterday’s Sepang MotoGP clash within ten second of the lead end in tatters when a fuel pump problem meant he lost more than five seconds a lap at the end of the race.

The Italian was in a comfortable fourth place right until the start of lap 16 when he dramatically slowed from 2’03s laps to 2’09s laps, which allowed first Stefan Bradl and Bradley Smith to pass and he eventually slumped to eighth.

“We had a fuel pump problem so I couldn’t push until the end but I was able to finish the race and take some points. We have to take the positive things. I think we made a good job during the weekend to improve our speed and especially our consistency so I am quite happy about that,” said Dovi, speaking at Sepang.

“I wanted to finish the race under ten second from the leaders and maybe was close to get that result. We made some good experience in tricky condition as the grip was very low. We can’t go faster as the limit is the same so we try to be more consistent and I think we get some improvement during this weekend.”