Britain's James Ellison took his first MotoGP points of the 2012 season at Le Mans yesterday when he finished as lead CRT rider and in 11th place overall.

The Kendal man said he was helped by a new setting he had found, which is thought to be some new electronics supplied by Aprilia that some of the other teams already have, and it should be as useful in the dry as well as the wet.

We think we have found a setting that works in the wet or dry. It was a tough race and I'm just glad to get one for the team and I'd just like to say thanks to all my sponsors who have supported me and to the team who have done a fantastic job. I'm really looking forward to the next round and hope we can build on this result," said Ellison.