Andrea Dovizioso was disappointed by his final qualifying time at Assen after running as high as third in the early part of the weather-interrupted session.
The Italian rider will start from seventh place on the third row of the grid on the Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1, but Dovi feels his starting position does not reflect his true pace.
“It is a pity to be starting on the third row of the grid because I am sure my potential is much higher,” he said.
“It was a very tricky session with the weather conditions changing a lot, but I am really happy to have done a 34.7 on the hard tyre.
“We have made some big steps improving my feeling with the front-end of the bike and I am satisfied with my race pace.
“I am sure I will be able to fight for the podium,” he added.
“I was on the third row at
Silverstone but still came through to battle for the podium and that is a realistic goal tomorrow.”
Dovizioso said he opted against taking any 'big risks' to secure a fast time in a frenetic end to final qualifying after the session was delayed due to rain.
"In the final minutes when I went out on the new rear tyre, I didn't feel ready to push right at the limit,” he said.
“Going into the first corner I locked the rear wheel and lost some time and because I wasn't sure if I had warmed the rear tyre up enough, I decided not to take any big risks.
“I am sure I could have been higher up the grid but I am confident for the race and my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew have done a fantastic job again improving the bike in every session.”