Sepang (Malaysia): Andrea Dovizioso won his first MotoGP race in seven years Sunday, pulling away from legend Valentino Rossi late in the Malaysia Grand Prix to take the checkered flag for Ducati.

Starting from pole position, the Italian fell back early as he and a number of riders struggled on the rain-soaked Sepang International Circuit. But Dovizioso steadily reeled in his compatriot Rossi, taking the lead back with six laps to go and quickly opening up a gap as Rossi was slowed by tyre issues.