Assen MotoGP: Valentino Rossi says victory feels hard to believe

Victory at Assen was Rossi's 80th in grand prix motorcycling's top tier, and his first since Malaysia in 2010.

Before Saturday, Rossi had stood on the podium just seven times since his last win - three of which had come in the final races of the 2010 season, before he moved to Ducati.

"I'm happy but I cannot believe it," he said. "It's a great feeling to be back in first position. It was a long, long time from Sepang [2010].

"I asked myself a question - can I can come back to first position or not? It was a tough period [but] I never gave up, I always worked - because this is my passion. I love to ride and race motorcycles."

Rossi thanked Yamaha for accepting him back after his lean two years with Ducati yielded just three podium finishes.

He also said he was determined to fight for victory at Assen after his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo's broken collarbone provided the best opportunity of his Yamaha comeback.

"I have to thank Yamaha for giving me another chance in the factory team," he added. "At the beginning [of the year] I was not confident with the bike, and I have had to find the right balance.

"Today before the race I thought I have to try to win, because this is my day - Lorenzo is injured, and I feel good - so I tried from the beginning.

"It was long, and I fought with everybody - but I was always a little bit faster in some places.

"I am so happy - I have to thank all the guys who helped me. Now we have to continue at this level.