Spartan crashes out
That's when the 'Spartan' crashed, suffering a dislocated toe in the process.
Opinions on the incident differed between the two men but it did leave Dovizioso in the driving seat as he capitalised on the scruffy start for his two biggest rivals, taking the lead as Marquez slotted back into second.
Battle for Aragon
So began the battle for Aragon. Alex Rins was looking menacing behind Marquez, feinting numerous overtaking attempts into the first corner as both Suzukis kept tabs on the leading duo.
By lap 11, Dovizioso, Marquez, Rins and Iannone had edged out two-second gap to Dani Pedrosa and Aleix Espargaro. The stage was set.
DesmoDovi moves up
As if someone had flicked a switch and turned it up to 11, 'DesmoDovi' made his move and posted the fastest lap of the race a lap later - a 1:48.3.
Marquez responded to stay with the Italian and the two looked to have broken clear of the Suzukis on the chase, but not so as the gloves came off between the leading duo.
Third podium
The race-defining move finally came from the number 93 at Turn 5, and the reigning world champion held firm until the chequered flag to take a third straight win in Aragon, equaling Mike Hailwood's win tally of 41 for Honda.
Dovizioso was forced to settle for second but equalled Casey Stoner's Grand Prix podium count, with Iannone earning his third podium of the year and Suzuki's first at MotorLand.