ANDREA Dovizioso is continuing to prove the Ducati’s performance with yet another podium finish at the French Grand Prix, but further improvement is required. 

The Italian rider started from the front row after placing second in qualifying, but despite getting off to a good start, it was Movistar Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi who had that extra pace.

“I am happy because it is always very important to score a podium finish and the one I got today confirms once again that we are competitive,” explained Dovizioso after the race.

“The conditions were good, but after the mid-point of the race I was no longer able to keep the pace of Lorenzo.”

Dovizioso has confirmed that the Desmosedici GP15 is still missing something and further improvement is vital to grasp that elusive Ducati win. 

“Unfortunately the tyre had a drop in grip and I was not able to be as efficient as in the first half of the race,” said the 29-year-old.

“I thought my speed was good enough to get me to the flag and allow me to fight for the win, but it was not possible.

“This confirms that we are still missing a little something and, even though we have to be satisfied with another podium, we still have to work hard and make further improvements to the GP15”.

Dovizioso is currently third in the Championship standings, only 4-points behind Lorenzo.