Zarco: MotoGP riders behind Rossi at Aragon have to accept 'shame'

Rossi qualified on the front row for MotoGP's Aragon Grand Prix, taking third behind Maverick Vinales and Jorge Lorenzo just 23 days after breaking his leg in a training accident.

Zarco - who could only manage 11th - hailed his factory Yamaha stablemate's effort, calling him a "genius", but added he is a "bit angry" for being beaten by an injured rider.

"It is incredible, really, I said on Thursday that it would be a shame on all people behind him," said Zarco.

"I accept [the shame], that is why I can be disappointed and a bit angry because it is not normal that he is in front.

"It means he is like a genius, a clever rider and so good.

"He knows how to push, when to push, and he knows how to set up the bike, or so does his team.

"He is doing good things, and just before the start I say him respect, because for me, I am in better form [physically] than him and he is in front of me, so [it is] necessary to work on things."

LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow, who was fourth, joined Zarco in praising Rossi, even though the Briton expected the 38-year-old to be competitive.

"I saw him this morning, it takes him more time to get up to speed, sure, but in qualifying he f***ing did a fantastic lap and all weekend he has been fast," said Crutchlow.

"Honestly, I didn't expect him to be any different, I expected him to be fast all weekend, I expect him to challenge for a podium tomorrow. He is not gonna just come here and cruise around."

However, the Briton was unsure how much the injury is affecting Rossi.

"It is hard to say because I've never done it - there is going be a new craze and everyone will try to break their leg now so they could come back faster," he joked.