Dovizioso at Mugello before retiring.

DUCATI Team’s Andrea Dovizioso was forced to retire at his home Grand Prix in Mugello after destroying his rear sprocket. 

Dovizioso started from the front row after setting the third quickest time in qualifying, but his race ended prematurely after having to enter the pits. 

The Italian finished lap one in second and began an enthralling battle with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez, however a problem with the rear sprocket of Dovizioso’s GP15 caused him to retire and enter the pits on lap 14.

 “Today went wrong right from the start with my mistake in this morning’s warm-up,” said the 29-year-old.

“I got a good start in the race and I was in amongst the frontrunners but I had to retire because my GP15 had a problem with excessive wear of the rear sprocket.

“It was a real pity, because I reckon I could have fought for the podium, and seeing as we were at Mugello, I was really banking on doing so. But above all I didn’t score any points for the championship, which for me is the most important thing.”

Despite retiring from his home race, Dovizioso holds onto third place in the Championship with 83-points.