Barros hopes to stay competitive

The Brazilian veteran beat factory Ducati rider Casey Stoner to third in the Italian Grand Prix, taking the team's best result since 2004.

"This result has come at the best moment because it's the home of Ducati and for Pramac also," said Barros in the post-race press conference.

"I need to say thank you to all the team for helping me a lot.

"I knew I could do this. I showed good (potential for) results during the last three races but I was unlucky. I think now the unlucky things will stop and I also like the next circuits very much, so I'm very happy.

"I believe in the package and the Ducati, and Ducati believe in me, so I just hope to continue to be competitive like this and I hope I can take more podiums and fight for a victory in the future."

Barros said he had not been under any team instructions from Ducati so did not hesitate to pass factory rider Stoner when the opportunity arose three laps from the end.

"I hope Ducati won't be too pissed off with me, but so far they've said 'Alex, do what you can,'" he told BBC television.