Source: Yamaha Racing.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi is on track to be Marc Marquez’s arch-nemesis once again in 2015 following an incredible opening round win at the Losail Circuit on Sunday evening.

Rossi was runner-up in last year’s world championship to cement himself as a title threat, however his victory at the opener has further outlined his chances to claim a 10th world title this season.

Starting from eighth on the grid, the Italian fell back to 10th position. He then ploughed through the order on his way to the front of the field – eventually overcoming a determined Andrea Dovizioso for the race win and world title lead.

“In the last three seasons I always rode solid races and arrived on the podium, but to come back with a victory is another thing,” Rossi beamed. “I am so happy because we suffered a lot during the practices and also the tests, but we worked very well for the 22 laps race and I was very strong.

“First of all you have to be lucky, but especially the work that we do with the team during the weekend makes the difference for my pace in the race. It was definitely one of the best races of my career, considering where we were yesterday. I really have to thank all my team, my engineers and all at Yamaha because I think today we did something amazing.”

The race win was Rossi’s 109th victory in his glowing grand prix career, further closing on the iconic Giacomo Agostini’s all-time record of 122.