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The overachieving rider vindicating his MotoGP contract demands

Andrea Dovizioso's Jerez MotoGP podium got his title charge off to a strong start, even if the result flattered to deceive as he struggles for pace on the 2020 Ducati. Nevertheless, it showed just how valuable he is to Ducati amidst tough contract talks

Lewis Duncan Jul 21, 2020, 3:28 PM

Amidst the chaos of MotoGP's dramatic return at the Spanish Grand Prix, Andrea Dovizioso guided his GP20 Ducati through the scorching temperatures to his first podium at Jerez in the MotoGP class.

The last time Ducati won at Jerez was in 2006, with Loris Capirossi claiming victory on a similarly dramatic day (Valentino Rossi's title defense got off to a nightmare start when Toni Elias took him out at Turn 1 on the opening lap). Typically, it's never been one of the Desmosedici's strongest haunts.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.