Anthony West scored solid points with an 11th place finish in Misano. Image: MotoGP.com.

Aussie Moto2 campaigner Ant West admits he was relieved that he was able to overcome the difficulties experienced over recent grands prix and take solid points from an 11th place finish at the Grand Prix of San Marino.

The experienced rider had faced a rare dry spell of results heading to Italy, having not scored points since the German Grand Prix due to a number of issues, both on and off the track.

West forged on, however, and was rewarded for his persistence as pace and handling finally coupled together when it counted.

“I knew I would be able to fight from the start of the race to the end,” said West. “I felt really strong and I was able to catch riders and pass them all the time, which I wasn’t able to do in the past.

“There was only one difficult situation in the race, which probably cost me a top ten result. I passed [Julian] Simón under brakes and as I was going into the corner, he tried to turn in as well and clipped my back wheel.

“I ran wide off the track and lost three positions and a lot of time. When I came back onto the track, I thought I had a flat tyre, because initially, I had no rear grip.

“When I realised the tyre was okay and when I started to get grip again, I also got back to doing good lap times and caught the guy that was in front of me.”

He was forced to settle for 11th, coming within reach of a top 10 but running short of time to challenge for the place.

West thanked the team for their efforts over the recent grands prix and for working with him to make the improvements necessary.

“Too bad we ran off, because my final position could have been better,” he continued. “But 11th still is a strong result and I am happy for the team and for the fact that they keep believing in me.

“I have been a bit angry the last few races and probably not very easy to work with, so I want to thank the team for continuing and keeping me motivated to push on!”

The Australian rider holds down 15th place on the Moto2 standings, and is on target to top his 16th place finish achieved with the QMMF team in 2012.