Lorenzo thrilled to return to podium

The Yamaha rider had made an astonishing start to his rookie season - taking three straight pole positions, winning at Estoril in only his third MotoGP start.

But after scoring four podium finishes in his first five races, Lorenzo struggled all summer due to a series of confidence-sapping accidents and a lack of pace from his Michelin tyres.

He rebounded at Misano this weekend however, qualifying on the front row for the first time since his last pole in Portugal, and following teammate Valentino Rossi home for a one-two in the race.

"I'm happy to be here on the podium again, four months after Le Mans, the last race where we got it," Lorenzo said.

The Spaniard said he had tried to challenge Rossi for the victory after Casey Stoner crashed out of the lead, but decided to settle for second rather than risk another accident.

"After Stoner crashed, I wanted to win," Lorenzo said.

"But to follow Valentino was very difficult and I had to take so many risks, so I preferred to finish second and to gain the confidence that we haven't had for the past three months."

Having carried injuries for much of the season, Lorenzo said he was now back to full fitness, and believes only Michelin's deficiencies are now preventing him from getting back to winning form.

"I am fine now, healthily speaking," he told BBC television. "We still have some problems with the tyres, but when we solve those maybe we can get a victory."