WSS Donington: MV Agusta celebrates first podium in 37 years

The iconic MV Agusta name has returned to the world championship podium for the first time in 37 years after an inspired ride by Roberto Rolfo at Donington Park yielded a third place finish in the World Supersport class.

Prepared by the 2011 WSS title-winning ParkinGO team, the MV Agusta F3 has shown marked improvements in just five races since its debut in Australia, though Rolfo's achievement was made all the more impressive by the fact he did it from 16th on the grid.

Struggling with grip in qualifying, Rolfo progressed through the pack come race day, setting the second fastest lap of the race as he peaked in third position, eventually finishing just three seconds behind Kenan Sofuoglu.

A landmark result for MV Agusta, Rolfo was thrilled to come away with a result that exceeded his own expectations.

"I am very satisfied of my bike, perfect, and the team job, impeccable. I am really sorry about the qualifying result due to lack of grip. If I would have started the race in a better position maybe I wouldn't have the chance anyway of chasing the leader but for sure it would have been easier and maybe with a possibility to do another step up on the podium.

"[After qualifying] I promised a big comeback but I wasn't expecting this result. This is thanks to the great job of the team. Without them we wouldn't have this level already in such short time."

Rolfo's sentiments were echoed by team manager Giuliano Rovelli, who was delighted with such a 'historic results' after such minimal development.

"We have been working on the F3 project for a short time with total dedication and concentration, that's why I would like to thank my team for this great historic result. We offer this podium to Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni and everybody collaborating in this ambitious project!"

There was disappointment for Rolfo's MV Agusta team-mate Christian Iddon, however, after he was caught out in a tangle on the second lap whilst running fourth.