Assen podium 'like a victory' for delighted Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso claimed his second rostrum finish for the satellite Yamaha Tech 3 team after outgunning factory-mounted Ben Spies for the final spot on the podium at Assen.
Dovizioso prevailed on a thrilling final lap duel with the American, making a decisive pass to edge out the Texan, who blamed tyre issues for his downfall.
"Scoring a podium for us feels like a victory and today is another great day for me and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team," said the Italian ace.
"This podium is great because I have never had a very good feeling at this track but with the M1 I felt much more comfortable.
"I was only seventh on the grid but I knew all weekend my race pace was very fast and I always felt a podium was a realistic goal."
Dovi described his battle with Spies as 'beautiful' and revealed he dropped his pace to save his tyres for a late charge - a strategy that ultimately worked to perfection.
"I got a good start and it was a beautiful battle with Spies for the whole race," he said.
"It was a really strong battle and the pace was very high and when I passed Spies for the first time I tried not to abuse the tyres too much because I knew the first two [Stoner and Pedrosa] were already too far ahead.
"I dropped my pace and it really paid off because at the end of the race I was much stronger than him and it seems he apparently had some issue with the rear tyre," added Dovizioso.
"I want to say a huge thanks to my crew because once again they have done a fantastic job."
High on confidence, Dovi is now relishing the next two rounds in Germany and particularly at his home grand prix at Mugello.
"We work a lot to be competitive for the race and this strategy is really paying off because in the last four races now I have been fighting for the podium.
"I also want to thank Yamaha for the great support they are offering us," said the former Honda rider.
"Now I'm really looking forward to the next two races, particularly my home race at Mugello, because after fighting for the podium consistently I am confident that I will be able to repeat this performance another time."
Dovizioso is one of the riders linked to Spies' factory M1 ride for 2013.
