3. Andrea Dovizioso (MotoGP)
Even with the switch to open-class rules, precious few people would have predicted a Ducati podium in 2014, let alone in race two, but Andrea Dovizioso made it possible in Austin. The soft tyre available to open entrants gives them an advantage in qualifying but Andrea couldn’t make the most of it, the Italian suffering the effects of flu and been forced to start tenth.
After working his way past Ducati teammate Cal Crutchlow (right), Dovizioso was up to fifth behind Stefan Bradl and with Andrea Iannone unable to maintain his impressive early pace, the two were now fighting for third. Dovizioso snatched the initiative from Bradl with a tremendous move at turn sixteen and when the German later came under pressure from Bradley Smith, Andrea had the perfect opportunity to make his escape, an opportunity he fully capitalised on.
You had to go back to September 2012 for the last time a Ducati rider stood on the podium but thanks to Dovizioso, that wait is over. Make no mistake, the Bologna squad are still a long way away from where they want to be but led by Luigi Dall’Igna, progress is now being made and Andrea’s ride on Sunday may later be seen as a turning point in the team’s history.
(Photos courtesy of Ducati)
