The Assen TT was a remarkable weekend for a number of reasons. Many will remember it for Jorge Lorenzo’s heroic ride, but for others, it represents the return of Valentino Rossi to the winner’s circle.

When ‘The Doctor’ signed on the dotted-line with Ducati in 2010, few would imagine that his Malaysian Grand Prix victory in the same year could be his last for close to three seasons.

Today we’re revisiting his 79th MotoGP win, a supreme, come-from-behind effort in the sapping heat of Sepang.

From sixth on the grid, Rossi made an uncharacteristically poor start, struggling to make up any ground on the first lap as he languished in ninth after momentarily dropping to 11th.

A jubilant Valentino Rossi celebrates his grand prix victory in Malaysia. Image: MotoGP.com.

Refocusing his efforts, Rossi set about charging back through the pack, picking off rider after rider and setting his sights on the lead group, headed by teammate Lorenzo.

Before long Rossi had setup and passed Marco Simoncelli for a the last spot on the podium, setting the fastest lap of the race on his seventh tour of the circuit as he ranged in on Andrea Dovizioso.

Dovi meanwhile had made a pass stick on Lorenzo, who had greater world championship goals to consider, and the Yamaha riders changed place as Rossi showed he had the mid-race pace to challenge for the lead.

Rossi made the pass on lap 11, but could not lose Dovizioso, who challenged for the lead with a passing attempt on lap 16 but handed the place back just a few corners later.

The pair were locked together in the run to the wave of the chequered flag, but Rossi would not be denied, taking the win by 0.224 seconds.

The Doctor ended the event on top of the podium and teammate Lorenzo on top of the world – his third place was enough to secure the 2010 title.

Check out the official MotoGP highlights clip showcasing Rossi’s 79th Grand Prix win