Silent assassin
Silent assassin Dovizioso moved up to third position on lap 11 as he spent the start of the race working through the field, passing his countryman Rossi who slipped back to the riders fighting for fifth.
A clear battled had now developed for the podium, with Dovizioso and Marquez closing in on Zarco and they were able to make their move on the 18th lap, with Zarco losing two positions into the opening corner - as Dovizisoso took the lead.
Making his move
Dovizioso and Marquez then began to break away, pushing themselves to the final corner of the final lap - taking no prisoners.
Reigning world champion Marquez made his move through turn 15 but he was unable to make it stick, and Dovizoso led into the final corner meaning he was able to slingshot his Desmosedici over the line, 0.027s ahead. Another last lap showdown, and another Dovizioso victory in style.
Safe third
Behind the duo, Rossi fought off his rivals to secure a safe third position. MotoGP fans got all the action they asked for. The Italian fought hard at the front of the field and duplicated his third place of last year. The 46-rider threw everything he had at breaking away from chasing riders, which he managed perfectly.
Close racing
Conditions at the 5.3km Losail circuit had been difficult all weekend as high winds blew sand from the surrounding desert on to the track surface. This increased abrasiveness, but it did not hamper the performance of the riders as the whole field produced a spectacle of close racing.