Jorge Lorenzo took an unexpected-by-him podium in today’s Jerez MotoGP race, finishing third in a race where he thought fifth would be the best he could achieve on the Ducati Desmosedici.

Lorenzo followed Repsol Honda pair Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez across the line to complete an all-Spanish podium and puts the performance down to choosing the medium option front tyre which allowed him to shake off a challenge from Johann Zarco.

“It’s like a victory, you know. Having a podium with a Ducati, such a special bike, such a difficult bike, makes me very very proud, very very happy. I didn’t expect this position, I expected to fight for fifth, sixth position,” said Lorenzo, speaking in parc ferme.

“A podium here at Jerez, in front of all my fans and after three complicated races, is the best present I could receive for my 30thth birthday. It’s a result that gives me more satisfaction than many wins I scored in the past, because it was very difficult to achieve. To finish third on a Ducati at a traditionally difficult circuit for the Desmosedici is incredible.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to be able to fight for the podium, and the choice of front tyre was the key. The start was a bit chaotic because of the number of riders ahead of me but I didn’t give up so easily and believed that I could recover to overtake Zarco and finish third. The last few months have been tough, but the most important thing is that I’ve always believed in myself and that the team has shown its full trust in me.”