Share

Dovizioso beats Rossi to Assen pole

Paris - Italian Andrea Dovizioso took pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen by edging out compatriot Valentino Rossi in qualifying on Saturday.

Nine-time world champion Rossi stopped midway through the session to save the tyres on his Yamaha, allowing Ducati's Dovizioso to claim the 17th pole of his career, and his fourth in MotoGP.

Honda's championship leader Marc Marquez could only manage fourth, just behind surprise package Scott Redding of Great Britain, who will start from third for Ducati Pramac.

Defending champion Jorge Lorenzo goes into the race 10 points behind Marquez in the drivers' standings, and will start from down in 11th spot on the grid.

The struggles of his title rivals leaves Rossi with a fantastic opportunity to close the gap in the championship in Sunday's race, which he will begin 22 points behind Spaniard Marquez.

The 37-year-old has won around the Assen track seven times in his MotoGP career, while Dovizioso's only victory in the elite class came in the British Grand Prix seven years ago.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE