Andrea Rocatelli’s 18th career world podium left Yamaha riders considering their chances of winning.
The Italian was Yamaha’s best rider in the Australian round of the season opener in February, but Ducati’s domination that weekend meant he wasn’t close to the podium.
In Race 1 of the second World Superbike Round of the season at Portimao, Rocatelli first climbed to the podium in 2025, beating Barni Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci.
As a result, Locatelli said he was “prideful” even if he was seven seconds after his victory since the Super Pole race on Philip Island last year.
“We’ve been working this weekend so we have to be happy,” Rocatelli said.
“The base setup on the bike is good. I’m struggling a bit with the front, so I need to keep working to improve and try to close the gap a little bit.
“I have to be proud of myself because I have never lost focus during this race. I was always ready in every state, in every situation during this race.
“Finishing the podium makes sure we are competitive and I think we have a real chance to return to the podium again.
“I won’t stop believing it. I’ll continue to work for it. I have two more opportunities tomorrow so let’s go again.”