“Obviously it was a better result and race than in qualifying. I felt quite good and confident in the race and I was being very patient to be able to try and come towards the podium at the end of the race. The problem was that after about five or six laps there was a small gap to the leaders and I had to push a lot and use a lot of the rear tyre at that moment of the race. But I think that fifth is not a bad result considering that we had a massive crash this morning. I tried my best and I think it was a good result although I’m disappointed not repeat my win from last year. But what a great fight, what a great show in the MotoGP race at Phillip Island today.”

Race results: