Stefan Bradl says Laguna Seca progress is real

The 23-year-old German followed up a maiden pole in the premier class by clinching his first podium, coming home just 2.2 seconds adrift of winner Marc Marquez.

Bradl, who beat Marquez to the 2011 Moto2 crown, said such form was not simply a flash in the pan but rather the culmination of gradual but discernible progress with the satellite LCR Honda squad.

"It was a fantastic result for us. All over the weekend we [were] really fast, [and] I was able to push every lap," Bradl said.

"I was able to make the pole position, [which is] a great sign that we have good pace.

"In the last two or three races we could see that we are progressing better and better, coming closer to the podium.

"Finally [we made] it happen. The pressure was high [starting] from pole, but I was cool enough to make a good start, to push from the beginning.

"Hopefully the first podium is the most difficult, [and] the next one will come easier."

Bradl said his first rostrum also strengthened his position at LCR, following his own revelation that he does not have a deal in place for 2014.

"For the future, for the team and for [team boss] Lucio [Cecchinello] it's important," Bradl said.

"I'm happy for them. They did a great job as well, and support me so well."