Source: Supplied.

A return to the MotoGP podium at yesterday’s French grand prix has prompted hope for Valentino Rossi in making further developments with his Movistar Yamaha YZR-M1.

The multi-time world champion put on an impressive display, charging from the third row to ultimately round out the top three by the conclusion of the 25-lap affair, notching up his first podium since the opening round in Qatar.

“I was feeling quite pessimistic after qualifying,” said Rossi. “But we made two or three modifications to the balance of the bike that gave me more grip and also made me lose less in acceleration. Already this morning in the warm up I was not so bad, so I thought ‘I can do a good race’, but starting from the third row is always difficult.

“You have to stay concentrated, but I had a great start and right from the first lap I was able to overtake. I was in the right group. The other positive thing was that after that lap I was fast, I did good lap times and I had a good pace, this is very important. I hope that we can continue to work strongly, like we did today, to further improve the bike.”

Rossi sits fourth in the championship standings as the series heads to Mugello in Italy on 3 June for the sixth round of the series.