Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi won his
first race for more than a year, as he came through to take victory in a
thrilling MotoGP Netherlands Grand Prix. The veteran hadn't savored glory since
the 2016 Catalan Grand Prix, but he showcased all his experience in spades at
Assen, as he held off Ducati's Danilo Petrucci in an absorbing battle.
Defending world champion Marc Marquez came home in third place for Honda.
Rossi's team-mate Maverick Vinales
crashed out, allowing Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso to take the lead of the
championship by four points; the top four riders in the standings are now
covered by just 11 points. It was Johann Zarco who started the race on
pole having produced a storming qualifying performance. The rookie eventually
didn't finish in the shakeup for victory, losing ground due to a misguided
tactical switch and coming home in 14th spot.
Another
rider who endured a disappointing day was Vinales. After enjoying a blistering
beginning to the season with his new team, the young Spaniard has lost momentum
in recent weeks and paid the price for losing balance at Turn 17 with 14 laps
to go. With the duo out of contention, some more seasoned competitors were
juking it out at the front in pursuit of the victory, with Rossi moving through
into first position. Petrucci was keeping the Doctor on his toes, though, as
the pair engaged in a fascinating tussle.
Indeed, as
the heavens threatened to open and drizzle sprinkled across the Assen circuit,
the riders needed to be careful. Eventually, it was the duo aforementioned who
handled the conditions the better, as they pulled away from the rest of the
field. The Italians each held the lead in the final stages, as they each pushed
their bike to the limit in pursuit of the win. World Superbikes rider Alex
Lowes paid tribute to another great Rossi performance, who has now won 10 times
at the Assen circuit.
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