Pedrosa happy with podium

The Spaniard made the best and lead into Turn 1, but he was quickly passed two corners later by Jorge Lorenzo who went on to take a dominant victory. Pedrosa was then passed by Ducati's Casey Stoner and had to settle for third.

"Jorge was pushing really hard in the first few laps and even though I was too, I couldn't match his rhythm and he opened up a gap," said Pedrosa. "When Casey came past I tried to stay with him and was able to put some pressure on.

"But I had a moment where the bike was snaking as I braked, I ran wide and I nearly crashed - that cost me some time and opened up the gap to Casey. So I am reasonably happy with a podium."

Pedrosa is looking forward to the next round at Phillip Island, the home circuit of Stoner, who he is battling for third in the championship.

"He is the reference in Australia and so the next race is going to be hard fought - I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I definitely want to win at least one of the three races left and maybe the next one is the most important."