Rossi relieved after return to podium

The seven-time champion had not finished in the top three since last year's Australian Grand Prix, five races ago.

He also hasn't tasted victory in six races, his longest drought since joining the world championship.

The Italian confessed he was missing the podium and said second place in Jerez was a great result.

"A victory is always a victory, but this second place is more worthy than some of my successes. I must admit it: I missed the podium," Rossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"As I've said before, you always question whether you're still able to get the result. In fact I really counted on it in Qatar, and since I didn't manage it I was very disappointed."

Rossi also said he was feeling more calm now about the pace of his Yamaha.

"I'm definitely more serene now. I tried some material that made us take a little step forward, even though I can't say whether it would have enabled me to make Pedrosa's life difficult on Sunday," he added.

"But I'm satisfied because, like Stoner, I've have found some improvements in the new front tyre. Small things that are always useful, however: we'll have it at Estoril and we'll see how things will go.

"I know that track wasn't great for the Bridgestones last year, but I'm confident because the bike goes well.

"At this point, 85% of the work to understand the new tyres has been done. We've also worked on electronics to wear the tyres out less during the race."